WHO Issues Guidelines for GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs & Obesity Treatment

Context:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever guidelines for the use of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) medicines to combat the global obesity crisis.

About Obesity:

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that presents a health risk. For adults, this is defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. For children and adolescents, the definition is based on BMI-for-age percentiles compared to WHO growth standards.

About Obesity and Global Burden:

· Current Statistics: Approximately 1 billion people worldwide are living with obesity.

o Among them, 188 million are school-aged children and adolescents.

· Future Projections: Without effective interventions, the global obesity numbers are expected to double by 2030.

· Health Implications: Obesity is a significant risk factor for chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other metabolic disorders.

About GLP-1 Medicines:

· GLP-1 Therapies: Currently, 12 GLP-1 therapies are approved for obesity or Type-2 diabetes treatment.

· Pipeline: Over 40 more agents targeting GLP-1 or multiple receptors are under development.

· Function: These drugs aid in effective weight loss, complementing lifestyle interventions.

· Target Group: WHO recommends their use in adults (excluding pregnant women), alongside intensive behavioural therapy.

Key Recommendations of WHO Guidelines:

Key Recommendation	Details / Measures
1. Comprehensive Obesity Care	- Include screening, early diagnosis, and management of obesity-related complications. - Combine pharmaceuticals, surgery, and lifestyle interventions for holistic care.
2. Long-Term Use of GLP-1 Drugs	- Recommended for chronic care, but limited evidence on long-term safety, dose titration, and maintenance therapy. - Continuous monitoring and further research are essential.
3. Equitable Access to Medicines	- GLP-1 drugs included in WHO’s Essential Medicines List to promote wider availability. - Encourages generic drug production and pre-qualification for international procurement.
4. Healthcare System Strengthening	- Train healthcare providers for obesity management. - Establish patient registries and referral pathways for chronic care. - Strengthen procurement and cold-chain systems to ensure drug efficacy. - Implement robust monitoring frameworks to track treatment outcomes.

About World Health Organization (WHO):

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.

· Established on April 7, 1948, and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, WHO's primary objective is to ensure the highest possible level of health for all people worldwide.

· It defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Conclusion:

WHO’s guidelines emphasize a multi-pronged approach to obesity, combining lifestyle intervention, behavioural therapy, and GLP-1 drugs. The guidelines also highlight the need for long-term research, equitable access, and health system strengthening to manage obesity as a chronic disease.