Global health authorities and medical experts are increasingly endorsing weight-loss drugs as a key tool in battling the rising obesity epidemic. In a major policy shift, World Health Organization (WHO) has formally recommended that medications in the GLP-1 class, such as semaglutide (used in products like Wegovy and Ozempic) and tirzepatide (used in brands like Mounjaro) be made available as part of long-term obesity treatment for adults with a body-mass index (BMI) of 30 or above. The guidance emphasises that obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease that needs continuous care, rather than a simple matter of lifestyle or willpower.
In addition to recognising obesity as a chronic condition, the WHO calls for these drugs to be combined with lifestyle interventions, balanced diet, regular physical activity, and behavioural support rather than being used in isolation. The reasoning behind this integrated approach is that while GLP-1 therapies offer significant weight-loss benefits and can improve metabolic health, sustainable outcomes often require broader changes.
Clinical trials and medical research lend strong support to GLP-1 drugs’ effectiveness. Studies have shown that these medications can reduce body weight significantly and improve related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular risks among people with obesity. Experts argue that in many cases where lifestyle changes alone fail to produce long-term weight loss, these drugs provide a realistic and much-needed additional treatment option.
For low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the obesity rate is rising and health systems often struggle to manage chronic diseases, emerging weight-loss pills, easier to store and distribute than injectable drugs, could be particularly helpful. Oral candidates such as orforglipron are under development; they avoid cold-chain requirements and may lower costs, thus improving accessibility.
Yet, the growing enthusiasm comes with caution and caveats. While GLP-1 therapies have proven benefits, long-term adherence remains a challenge. Some studies show that many patients stop treatment within one to two years, which can lead to weight regain and loss of earlier health gains. There are also concerns about cost and equitable access: as things stand, high prices and limited supply restrict availability in many countries; without affordable generics or health-system support, millions may be excluded.
