WHO recommends GLP-1 for treating obesity. What is it?

By Admin

02 Dec, 2025

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued its first-ever guidelines for the treatment of obesity, marking a significant shift in global public health policy. On Monday, the WHO released a conditional recommendation endorsing the use of GLP-1 therapies for long-term obesity management in adults   excluding pregnant women. This comes at a time when the demand for GLP-1 agonists has surged worldwide, prompting governments to explore how to integrate these medications into their healthcare systems.

Alongside this, WHO has also recommended that these drugs be paired with a healthy diet and regular physical activity, reinforcing the importance of holistic treatment. As the popularity of these drugs increases, many are asking: What exactly are GLP-1 agonists, and how do they work?

What Are GLP-1 Agonists?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) are a class of medicines originally developed to treat diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these drugs help:

• Lower blood sugar levels
  
  

• Support weight loss
  
  

• Protect the heart and kidneys
  
  

These medications mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which is released in the gastrointestinal tract after a person eats. As explained by Harvard Medical School, this hormone plays a key role in regulating blood sugar and appetite.

How Do GLP-1 Drugs Work?

When you consume food, your digestive system breaks carbohydrates into simple sugars, which enter the bloodstream. In response, the GLP-1 hormone signals the pancreas to release insulin a hormone that moves glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy.

However, in people with Type 2 diabetes, the body may not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it. GLP-1 agonists help by:

• Stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin
  
  

• Suppressing glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar
  
  

• Maintaining stable glucose levels
  
  

Beyond blood sugar control, GLP-1 medications also support weight loss by:

• Reducing hunger
  
  

• Slowing stomach emptying
  
  

• Helping people feel full for longer
  
  

Because weight management plays a crucial role in managing diabetes, these effects are highly beneficial.

GLP-1 Drugs for Obesity Treatment

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved multiple GLP-1 agonists for weight loss   even for people who do not have diabetes. When used for obesity, these drugs are usually prescribed at higher doses compared to their use in diabetes treatment.

The WHO’s new recommendation is expected to further boost global adoption of GLP-1 therapies, particularly as obesity continues to rise worldwide. With more countries now considering how to include these drugs in national healthcare systems, the focus is shifting toward long-term, medically backed weight management strategies.

A Step Forward in Global Obesity Care

WHO’s endorsement acknowledges the growing evidence that GLP-1 agonists can be a powerful tool in tackling obesity   but stresses the importance of pairing medication with lifestyle changes. As research continues and access expands, GLP-1 therapies may become a cornerstone of long-term obesity treatment across the world.