Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Health Organisation, (WHO) has released new recommendations on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity in adults, emphasising that the medications provide significant clinical benefit but must be integrated into a wider, long-term care strategy.
The announcement came on Monday during a live briefing in which WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the escalating global burden of obesity as “one of the most serious public health challenges of our time.”
“Globally, more than one billion people are living with obesity, and that number is expected to double by 2030,” he said. “Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease that drives heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. It caused an estimated 3.7 million deaths globally last year and places immense strain on health systems.”
GLP-1 medications—initially developed for diabetes—have in recent years been approved in many countries for obesity management. The WHO added the drug class to its Essential Medicines List in September for diabetes treatment in high-risk groups.
“Today we are issuing new recommendations on the use of GLP-1s to treat obesity in adults. These medicines are a powerful clinical tool, offering hope to millions. But let me be clear: medication alone will not solve the obesity crisis,” Dr Tedros said.
“Crucially, the use of GLP-1s does not replace the need for healthy diet and physical activity,” the Director-General cautioned. “Our greatest concern is equitable access,” Dr Tedros said. “Without concerted action, these medicines could widen the gap between the rich and the poor, both between and within countries.”
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Otamere Gladness 
