• The WHO plans to officially endorse weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound for treating obesity in adults worldwide, reversing a previous stance.
• The WHO will develop strategies to improve access to these drugs in low- and middle-income countries, where 70% of obese individuals reside, addressing cost concerns.
• The agency calls for extended research on the cost-effectiveness and long-term impacts of these medications across various income levels.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing to officially endorse the use of weight-loss drugs, specifically GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Wegovy and Zepbound, for the treatment of obesity in adults worldwide. This marks a significant shift in the organization's approach to addressing the global obesity epidemic, which affects over a billion people, a large percentage of whom live in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO's decision stems from the proven effectiveness of these drugs in clinical trials, where individuals experienced significant weight loss. However, the high cost of these medications and the need for long-term usage pose challenges, particularly for accessibility in lower-income nations.

• What: The World Health Organization (WHO) is planning to endorse the use of weight-loss drugs, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists, for treating obesity in adults. This includes developing new recommendations for obesity prevention, care, and treatment, with guidelines expected to be finalized by late 2025.
• Who: Key entities include the World Health Organization (WHO), pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk (Wegovy) and Eli Lilly (Zepbound), WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic, and individuals affected by obesity globally.
• When: The WHO's endorsement is expected to be officially released in August 2025 as part of new guidelines. A meeting is planned for the following week to discuss including GLP-1 drugs on the essential medicines list. Semaglutide patent expiration in some markets is expected next year.
• Where: The issue is global, with a focus on high-income countries like the U.S., Britain, and Germany, where these drugs have already been launched, and low- and middle-income countries, where the WHO aims to improve access.

The WHO's decision to endorse weight-loss drugs represents a significant policy shift in addressing the global obesity crisis. This move acknowledges the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in achieving substantial weight loss. However, the high cost and potential need for lifelong treatment raise concerns about accessibility, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO's call for cost-effectiveness studies and strategies to improve access, such as tiered pricing, indicates an awareness of these challenges. The Daily Mail raises an important point regarding potential side effects and hospitalization risks associated with these drugs. Further, the expiration of semaglutide's patent may lead to more affordable generic versions, potentially increasing access in the future.

"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 World Health Organization's plan to endorse weight-loss drugs for adult obesity treatment marks a pivotal shift in addressing the global obesity crisis. While the effectiveness of these drugs is acknowledged, critical challenges remain regarding cost, accessibility, and potential side effects. The WHO's focus on developing strategies for low- and middle-income countries and conducting further research on long-term effectiveness is crucial for ensuring equitable access and safe implementation. The ongoing discussions and expected finalization of guidelines in the coming year will shape the future of obesity treatment worldwide.