The World Health Organization (WHO)<\/b> has published its first official guideline on the use of GLP-1 therapy for treating obesity in adults. This step underscores the recognition of obesity as a chronic disease<\/b> that requires comprehensive and continuous care.<\/p>\n
According to WHO data, obesity currently affects more than 1 billion people<\/b> worldwide, and this number is projected to double by 2030. The organization defines obesity in adults (aged 19 and over) as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater<\/b>.<\/p>\n
However, it is essential to note that these global thresholds do not account for all ethnic and racial differences. For example, in people of Asian descent, the health risk associated with a higher percentage of body fat may increase at a lower BMI (some guidelines define obesity at a BMI of $27.5$<\/span>), while populations of African descent often have more muscle mass, which can artificially increase their BMI. Therefore, BMI is only an orientational measure, and physicians use additional indicators for a comprehensive assessment of health risk.<\/p>\n The guideline, developed in response to requests from WHO Member States, contains two conditional recommendations regarding the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists<\/b> (liraglutide and semaglutide) and the dual GIP\/GLP-1 agonist<\/b> (tirzepatide):<\/p>\n Pharmacological Treatment:<\/b> A conditional recommendation permits the use of these medications for the long-term treatment of obesity<\/b> in adults (excluding pregnant women). However, WHO notes that this is a conditional recommendation with moderate certainty, driven by limited data on long-term effectiveness and safety, costs, healthcare system unpreparedness, and potential equity issues.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Behavioral Therapy:<\/b> The second recommendation suggests that intensive behavioral therapy can be used as co-treatment<\/b> within a comprehensive, multimodal clinical algorithm to improve treatment outcomes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The World Health Organization (WHO) considers new weight-loss medications like GLP-1 therapies to be a “medical breakthrough,”<\/b> but issues a warning that without targeted policies, their accessibility could worsen existing inequalities in access to healthcare services.<\/p>\n WHO’s Key Calls to Action:<\/p>\n Equitable Access:<\/b> WHO calls for strategies (such as pooled procurement and licensing) for the fair distribution of the drugs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Comprehensive Approach:<\/b> The organization stresses that the obesity crisis cannot be solved by medications alone. A systemic response is required, which includes: creating healthier environments through a shift in the political agenda, as well as protecting high-risk individuals and ensuring access to person-centered care.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Safe Use:<\/b> WHO adviser, Dr. Chelet, notes that GLP-1 therapies should only be used under clinical indication and physician prescription to avoid the risks of inappropriate use and falsified products.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Experts welcome this guideline, which confirms that obesity is a chronic disease<\/b> requiring both medical treatment and coordinated public health efforts.<\/p>\n\n
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