LONDON — The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a comprehensive approach to treating obesity, emphasizing that it is a chronic disease rather than merely a lifestyle choice.
Obesity Recognized as a Chronic Disease
In its draft guidelines, the WHO stressed the importance of combining medication and counselling for long-term obesity management. The agency highlighted that obesity is a progressive and relapsing condition affecting over 1 billion people worldwide, contributing to millions of preventable deaths in both high- and low-income countries.
“Obesity is not simply a matter of lifestyle choices. It requires proper medical attention, including behavioural interventions and pharmacological support,” the draft guidance stated.
GLP-1 Drugs Recommended for Adults with BMI Over 30
For the first time, the WHO endorsed GLP-1 drugs, originally developed by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, as part of obesity treatment for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above. These drugs, combined with lifestyle and behavioural counselling, are expected to improve long-term outcomes.
The draft guidelines, open for consultation until September 27, mark a shift away from outdated perceptions that treat obesity as a mere lifestyle issue.
Global Standards and Accessibility Challenges
While the WHO’s recommendations currently target adults with a BMI above 30, some high-income countries, including the United States, also prescribe these drugs for individuals with a BMI of 27 to 30 who have at least one weight-related medical condition.
Earlier this month, the WHO decided not to include GLP-1 drugs on its Essential Medicines List for obesity treatment, citing high costs and limited access in low- and middle-income countries. The drugs were added to the list only for patients with type 2 diabetes combined with another health condition, indicating the populations who would benefit most.
The Path Forward
The WHO’s new guidance represents a critical step toward establishing a global standard of care for obesity, acknowledging that effective treatment requires both medical intervention and behavioural support. Separate guidelines are also being developed for children and adolescents, reflecting the growing global concern about obesity across all age groups.
