• WHO plans to endorse weight-loss drugs (GLP-1s) for adult obesity treatment, a shift from its previous stance.
• The organization seeks strategies to improve access to these medications in low- and middle-income countries where obesity rates are high.
• Concerns persist regarding the high cost of the drugs (over $1,000/month) and the need for long-term cost-effectiveness studies.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing to officially support the use of weight-loss drugs, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy and Zepbound, for treating obesity in adults worldwide. This marks a significant change in the agency's approach to the global obesity epidemic, which affects over one billion people, with a disproportionate number residing in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO's decision is driven by the proven effectiveness of these drugs in clinical trials, where individuals experienced substantial weight loss. However, the high cost of these medications and the necessity for long-term usage raise concerns about accessibility and affordability, especially in resource-limited settings.

• What: The World Health Organization (WHO) is planning to officially endorse weight-loss drugs to combat obesity in adults. This includes supporting GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy and Zepbound. The WHO also aims to improve access to these treatments in low- and middle-income countries.
• Who: The key players are the World Health Organization (WHO), drug manufacturers like Novo Nordisk (Wegovy) and Eli Lilly (Zepbound), and individuals affected by obesity globally.
• When: The WHO's conditional recommendation is expected to be officially released in August 2025. WHO experts will meet next week to decide on including GLP-1 drugs on the agency's essential medicines list. Drug recommendations are expected to be finalized by August or September 2025.
• Where: The initiative is global, with a particular focus on improving access in low- and middle-income countries. The drugs have already been launched in the United States, Germany, and Britain.

The WHO's decision to endorse weight-loss drugs marks a significant shift in addressing the global obesity crisis. This change is driven by the increasing prevalence of obesity, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and the proven effectiveness of drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound. However, the high cost of these medications presents a substantial barrier to access, particularly in resource-limited settings. The WHO's call for strategies to improve access, such as tiered pricing and pooled procurement, reflects an understanding of these challenges. The upcoming expiration of patents for some of these drugs may also lead to the availability of cheaper generic versions, potentially increasing affordability. Furthermore, long-term studies on the cost-effectiveness of these drugs are crucial to ensure their sustainable integration into healthcare systems globally. The concerns about potential side effects mentioned by the Daily Mail should also be taken into account when prescribing these drugs.

"The aim of this guideline will be to clarify the clinical indications, applications and programmatic considerations of GLP-1 RAs, including how and when this class of medications may be integrated as one component of a chronic care model that includes both clinical and lifestyle interventions."

The WHO's impending endorsement of weight-loss drugs signals a new phase in the global fight against obesity. While the effectiveness of these drugs offers hope, the high cost and the need for long-term management strategies pose significant challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO's efforts to address these challenges through access initiatives and calls for cost-effectiveness studies will be crucial in determining the success and equity of this new approach. The finalization of guidelines in August 2025 and the consideration of including GLP-1 drugs in the essential medicines list will be key milestones in this evolving landscape.