Overview
- WHO frames obesity as a chronic disease and conditionally recommends long-term GLP-1 therapy for adults, excluding use during pregnancy.
- The guidance cites weight-loss and metabolic benefits but notes limited evidence on long-term safety, durability of effect after stopping treatment, and high costs.
- WHO urges pairing pharmacotherapy with intensive behavioral support that includes structured nutrition counseling and physical-activity guidance.
- Governments are pressed to expand manufacturing and pursue joint procurement, tiered pricing, voluntary licensing, and stronger health-system preparedness to ensure equitable access.
- The guideline warns about counterfeit or substandard GLP-1 products and calls for regulated supply chains, professional prescribing, patient education, and active post-market surveillance.