• The WHO is preparing to officially endorse weight-loss drugs to treat obesity in adults, reversing its previous stance.
• The WHO aims to improve access to these drugs in low- and middle-income countries, where the majority of obese individuals reside.
• Concerns remain about the high cost of these medications (over $1,000/month) and the need for longer-term studies on their cost-effectiveness and potential side effects.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is making a significant shift in its approach to tackling the global obesity crisis by preparing to officially endorse the use of weight-loss drugs for adults. This decision, revealed in a leaked memo and expected to be formally announced in August, marks a reversal from the WHO's previous stance, which cited a lack of sufficient data on the long-term effects of these medications. With over a billion people worldwide struggling with obesity, the WHO is also advocating for strategies to ensure access to these treatments in low- and middle-income countries, where the majority of the world's obese population lives. However, concerns persist regarding the high cost of these drugs, their potential side effects, and the necessity for long-term usage to maintain weight loss.

• What: The WHO plans to officially endorse weight-loss drugs (GLP-1 receptor agonists) for treating obesity in adults, and is considering adding them to its list of essential medicines. This reverses a previous decision where the WHO stated that more evidence was needed regarding long-term clinical benefits.
• Who: The World Health Organization (WHO), Novo Nordisk (maker of Wegovy and Ozempic), Eli Lilly (maker of Zepbound and Mounjaro), and individuals with obesity.
• When: The WHO's conditional recommendation is expected to be officially released in August 2025. WHO experts will meet next week to discuss adding the drugs to the essential medicines list. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, comes off patent in some markets next year.
• Where: Globally, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries where 70% of the world's obese population resides. The drugs have already been launched in the United States, Britain, and Germany.

The WHO's shift towards endorsing weight-loss drugs reflects a growing recognition of the severity and global scale of the obesity epidemic. The decision to consider adding these drugs to the essential medicines list could significantly improve access in poorer countries. However, the high cost remains a major barrier, potentially exacerbating health inequalities. The call for longer-term studies on cost-effectiveness and side effects highlights the need for a balanced approach, ensuring that these medications are used responsibly and equitably as part of a comprehensive strategy for obesity management.

The WHO's anticipated endorsement of weight-loss drugs represents a significant step in the global fight against obesity. While the move could improve access to treatment for millions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, the high cost of these medications and the need for long-term usage raise concerns about affordability and sustainability. Further research is crucial to assess the long-term benefits, risks, and cost-effectiveness of these drugs in diverse settings.