The World Health Organization (WHO) has released guidelines for the use of GLP-1 medications for treating obesity for the first time. WHO developed their guidelines because they got requests from their member states. WHO conditionally recommends the medications as part of treatment for obesity as a chronic disease. The organization says the meds won’t reverse obesity or metabolic health concerns without proper support and other actions. They aren’t a magic bullet.
WHO said GLP-1s may work when “you also make healthy lifestyle changes. This means following a structured eating plan and getting regular exercise. Using this combined approach helps you achieve the best results.” They stressed that they only approve of the medications for adults who aren’t pregnant.
WHO also stressed that obesity shouldn’t be viewed as a personal health issue but as a societal illness. They said that to tackle the global obesity problem, we need healthier environments that allow people to naturally live healthy, better lives supported by beneficial policy. They said people with health struggles and folks at high risk should get more support and extra screening to find concerns earlier. And there should be more support for people who are struggling with health concerns. It shouldn’t be about individuals — it should be about a system that helps everyone do better.
WHO pointed out that, at the current production rate, less than 10 percent of people who could benefit from GLP-1s can access them. So, instead of banking on them, it’s time for more solutions. One prong of that solution is figuring out how to ramp up production. The guidelines called on the member states to make plans for expanding access, actions like tiered pricing, allowing for generic manufacturing, and buying in bulk to cut down the price. Additionally, they called for more support for weight loss health initiatives overall.
“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,” said Dr. Louis Arrone, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine.
“Obesity is a major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing by supporting countries and people worldwide to control it, effectively and equitably. Our new guidance recognizes that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO. “While medication alone won't solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms.” (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/who-guidance-glp-1-drugs-obesity/)
