The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first-ever guidelines concerning the use of GLP-1 medications for adults living with obesity. This significant announcement was made on March 4, 2024, in a bid to address the alarming fact that over 1 billion people worldwide currently struggle with obesity, a number projected to reach 2 billion by 2030.
The newly published guidelines recommend the long-term and continuous use of GLP-1 medications, specifically semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide, when deemed clinically appropriate. The recommendations appear in the respected medical journal JAMA and emphasize that these medications should not be viewed as a standalone solution to the global obesity crisis. Instead, the WHO advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes dietary changes, physical activity, and ongoing counseling.
The guidelines reflect a paradigm shift in the treatment of obesity, emphasizing it as a chronic disease that requires lifelong management. According to Dr. Louis Arrone, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, this shift signifies that treating obesity early is becoming a standard practice in healthcare. He stated that, “This signals that treating obesity early — as a chronic disease that deserves lifelong care — is finally moving into the mainstream of health care.”
The WHO’s guidance also outlines significant barriers to effective treatment, including the high cost of these medications, limited availability, and inequitable access across different regions. The organization encourages member states to develop fair and affordable systems to prioritize treatment for those in greatest medical need.
In discussing the benefits of GLP-1 medications, Dr. Arrone noted that these drugs often help patients adhere to dietary recommendations by reducing hunger and altering food perceptions. Many individuals report feeling fuller faster and possessing a diminished urge to consume certain foods, making it easier to maintain healthier eating habits.
As part of a holistic treatment plan, Dr. Arrone underscores the importance of resistance training. He cautions that rapid weight loss, often associated with extreme dieting, can lead to muscle loss. He remarked, “Medicines work best when they go hand in hand with changes in eating habits and daily behaviors. When hunger is reduced, people finally feel able to follow the healthy steps they were told to take for years.”
Looking ahead, the WHO plans to refine its guidelines to better identify and address the needs of individuals most susceptible to obesity-related health issues. The organization has called for a “reboot” in how obesity is managed globally, emphasizing the need for enhanced prevention strategies, treatment options, and systemic improvements to tackle this escalating public health crisis.
Dr. Arrone reflects on the significance of these changes, stating, “This signals a shift in thinking unlike anything we’ve seen in a generation — a move toward treating obesity first, rather than waiting for people to develop the many complications that follow.”
With the WHO’s new guidance, there is hope for a more structured and effective approach to managing obesity, ultimately improving health outcomes for millions around the world.
