WHO Endorses Weight-Loss Drugs for Global Obesity Treatment
April 2025 – Geneva: In a significant move to combat the rising global obesity crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) is set to officially endorse the use of weight-loss medications such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) for the treatment of obesity in adults.
These medications, originally developed for diabetes management, have shown substantial effectiveness in promoting weight loss. WHO’s endorsement reflects the growing recognition of obesity as a serious public health challenge requiring medical intervention, not just lifestyle changes.
WHO’s Focus on Global Access
Alongside its support for these drugs, WHO emphasizes the importance of making them affordable and accessible, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). High treatment costs remain a major barrier for millions of individuals who could benefit from these therapies.
The organization has called on governments, health agencies, and pharmaceutical companies to collaborate in reducing pricing disparities and ensuring equitable access to treatment options worldwide.
Obesity: A Growing Global Burden
Obesity affects more than 1 billion people globally and is a leading risk factor for a range of chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. WHO’s endorsement marks a shift towards evidence-based medical approaches in addressing obesity and its related health complications.
Wegovy and Zepbound: How They Work
Both Wegovy and Zepbound are injectable medications that influence appetite regulation. They mimic gut hormones that affect satiety, helping patients feel fuller longer and reduce food intake. Clinical trials have demonstrated average weight reductions of 15% or more in patients using these drugs under medical supervision.
Looking Ahead
With WHO’s backing, it is expected that more countries will include these drugs in their national obesity treatment guidelines. However, the challenge remains to balance innovation with affordability, particularly in countries where obesity rates are rising but healthcare budgets are limited.
Health experts believe that combining drug therapy with behavioral and nutritional support will yield the best outcomes in managing obesity in the long term.
Sources / Scientific References:
- World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight factsheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
- FDA. Semaglutide (Wegovy) for chronic weight management. FDA.gov
- NEJM. Wilding et al. (2021). Trial results on semaglutide in adults with obesity. NEJM.org
- FDA. Tirzepatide (Zepbound) approval and efficacy. FDA.gov