WHO Endorses GLP-1 Drugs for Obesity treatment, Signaling a Shift in Global Approach
Teh World Health Organization (WHO) has made a landmark decision, formally recommending the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists – including drugs like semaglutide and liraglutide - to combat obesity, a condition affecting an estimated one billion people worldwide. This marks the first time the UN agency has issued such a proposal, representing a critically important paradigm shift in how this chronic disease is addressed.
The decision, finalized last Monday, adds these therapies to the WHO List of Essential Medicines, a crucial reference document guiding national health policies.Currently containing 532 items, the list aims to promote global and affordable access to vital treatments, a key concern given the historically high cost of GLP-1 agonists.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of recognizing obesity as a chronic disease requiring “thorough and persistent care throughout life.” Though, he cautioned against viewing these medications as a standalone solution, stressing their role as a powerful tool within a broader strategy encompassing healthier environments and early risk detection.
These drugs, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, have demonstrated effectiveness in weight management by suppressing appetite and slowing gastric emptying. The WHO’s recommendation is currently classified as “conditional,” applying to long-term treatments (over six months) for adults with obesity, excluding pregnant women. This “conditional” designation acknowledges existing uncertainties regarding long-term effects, logistical challenges for healthcare systems, and potential inequalities in access due to cost.
The issue of accessibility is especially evident in countries like Portugal, where these medications are currently only reimbursed by the national health service when prescribed for diabetes.Between January and September of this year,antidiabetic drugs – including GLP-1 agonists – accounted for 354.6 million euros of the National Health Service’s expenditure, contributing to a cautious approach from authorities.
The growing off-label use of these drugs for weight loss has even led to intermittent supply shortages for diabetic patients, prompting audits of the distribution chain by Infarmed, the Portuguese health authority, to ensure availability for approved indications. This situation highlights a global dilemma that the WHO’s recommendation, while not legally binding, brings into sharper focus for policymakers worldwide.
(Source: Lusa)
