The World Health Organization on Monday issued its first guideline on the use of GLP-1 therapies for obesity, conditionally recommending them as part of long-term treatment for the condition, which affects more than 1 billion people globally according to the agency.
The guidance comes as demand for the class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists has surged worldwide, and governments are figuring out how to include the blockbuster therapies into public health systems.
The first conditional recommendation advises the use of GLP-1 drugs by adults, except pregnant women, for long-term obesity treatment, while the second suggests pairing these with a healthy diet and physical activity.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the move “recognizes that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care,” but warned that medication alone will not solve this global health crisis.
Dr Marie Spreckley of the University of Cambridge said the recommendations were “appropriately graded as conditional,” noting the uncertainties around long-term use at higher doses, affordability and health-system capacity.
