Overview
- Published in JAMA, the guidance recommends GLP-1 therapies for adults as long-term treatment alongside structured behavioral support, excluding pregnant women.
- The recommendations cover liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide and define long-term use as at least six months.
- WHO classifies the advice as conditional due to limited long‑term safety and effectiveness data, high costs, health‑system readiness gaps and equity concerns, with further prioritization work planned in 2026.
- The agency projects fewer than 10% of eligible people will access GLP‑1s by 2030 and urges measures like pooled procurement, tiered pricing, voluntary licensing, regulated distribution and vigilance against counterfeit or substandard products.
- National responses are evolving, with Australia’s regulator adding mood‑related warnings and noting possible contraceptive interactions for tirzepatide, while coverage debates continue as Australia’s PBS still does not subsidize GLP‑1s for obesity.