The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first guideline on the use of GLP-1s to address the growing health challenge of obesity, which affects more than a billion people worldwide.

In a boost for the sector, the new guidelines emphasise that medication alone will not solve the problem, highlighting the need for a three pronged approach that also includes societal change to creating healthier environments and support for physical activity.

“Obesity is a major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing by supporting countries and people worldwide to control it, effectively and equitably,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the WHO. “Without decisive action, the number of people with obesity is projected to double by 2030".

Social change needs to be delivered through “robust population-level policies to promote health and prevent obesity”, says WHO, while also protecting people at high risk of developing obesity and related comorbidities through targeted screening and structured early interventions.

WHO says people living with obesity should receive counselling on behavioural and lifestyle changes, "including – but not limited to – physical activity and healthy dietary practices as an initial step toward more structured behavioural interventions."

"For those who are prescribed GLP-1s, counselling on behavioural and lifestyle changes should be provided as a first step to intensive behavioural therapy to amplify and support optimal health outcomes," he said.

WHO is recommending people follow its guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour, which highlight that all age groups should limit the amount of time being sedentary and should incrementally increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activity, including muscle strengthening.

When it comes to diet, it says additional considerations are necessary to support weight loss, including lowering daily energy intake. However, this should be prescribed and monitored in conjunction with a trained healthcare provider, whenever possible.

You can download the document, WHO guideline on the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for the treatment of obesity in adultshere.

Who can use GLP-1s and how

The new guidance says adults, excluding pregnant women, may use GLP-1s for the long-term treatment of obesity. The WHO recognises there is limited data on long-term efficacy and safety associated with taking these medications and many of these medications stipulate short-term use only.

Access

The WHO is concerned about health disparities emerging where fair access to GLP-1 therapies isn't easily accessible. It's calling for urgent action to scale the manufacturing, affordability and delivery of the drugs for global uptake.

The organisation says that even with rapid expansion in production, these drugs are projected to reach fewer than 10 per cent of those who could benefit by 2030.

During 2026, WHO says it will work closely with relevant stakeholders to encourage development of a transparent and equitable prioritisation framework to ensure those with the highest need are reached first.

GLP-1 therapies and the WHO’s definition of obesity

WHO defines obesity as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher in adults.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medicines that help lower blood sugar, support weight loss, reduce the risk of heart and kidney complications and can even lower the risk of early death in people with Type 2 diabetes.

The new guideline provides recommendations for three agents used in the long-term treatment of obesity in adults: liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide.