Weight loss drugs like Mounjaro offer significant potential to address the global rise in obesity, which is projected to affect 2 billion people by 2030, according to the World Health Organization. The WHO noted that these medications, proven effective in helping people lose weight, mark “a new chapter” in how health services can treat obesity and its related life-threatening conditions.
The WHO urged countries to ensure that those who could benefit from glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies have access to them. While eligible adults should generally receive these drugs, pregnant women should avoid them. The organization also warned that pharmaceutical companies must lower prices for medications like Mounjaro and Ozempic and significantly increase production to prevent people in poorer countries from being left out.
“While medication alone won’t solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO’s director-general.
In a special communication aimed at health professionals, the WHO outlined its perspective on these drugs for the first time. Its statement in the Journal of the American Medical Association emphasized that GLP-1 therapies represent more than a scientific breakthrough—they signal a shift in how society views obesity, from a “lifestyle condition” to a complex, preventable, and treatable chronic disease.
“GLP-1 therapies have emerged as an important innovation in addressing the global obesity challenge. The advent of these medications represents a tipping point in the treatment of obesity, its complications, and related co-morbidities,” the statement said.
However, the WHO noted that current global production capacity limits mean only about 100 million people could receive these drugs—just 10% of the 1 billion who could benefit. The number of people classified as obese, defined by a body mass index of 30 or higher, is expected to double from 1 billion to 2 billion by 2030, with global costs reaching $3 trillion by the same year.
To expand access amid the worsening crisis, the WHO suggested that drug companies consider “tiered pricing,” charging lower prices in poorer countries.
The WHO’s statement, authored by three leading doctors—Francesca Celletti, Luz De Regil, and Jeremy Farrar—stressed that these drugs alone are not enough to reverse obesity. Individuals using them should also adopt healthier diets, increase physical activity, and receive lifestyle counseling.
The WHO acknowledges growing evidence that GLP-1 therapies can help reduce the risk of serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and kidney and arterial diseases.
Three “major barriers” must be addressed to ensure global access to GLP-1 therapies for those who need them: limited production capacity, availability, and affordability; health systems’ readiness to provide them; and universal access to healthcare.
“Weight loss drugs have an important role to play, but they are not a silver bullet,” said Katherine Jenner, executive director of the Obesity Health Alliance, a coalition of over 50 health, medical, and children’s organizations in the UK. “In the UK right now, access is still limited, supply is fragile, and NHS use is tightly targeted. These powerful medicines can help individuals with chronic obesity, but they are not suitable for everyone and must be accompanied by comprehensive support to be used safely and effectively. Evidence shows that most people regain weight…””People often regain weight once they stop taking these medications, and we cannot medicate two-thirds of the population forever,” added Jenner.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs WHOs New Chapter on Weight Loss Medications
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What did the WHO actually say about weight loss medications
The World Health Organization has described the new generation of highly effective weight loss drugs as opening a new chapter in tackling the global obesity crisis They recognize these medications as powerful tools but stress they must be part of a comprehensive strategy that includes diet exercise and healthcare support
2 What are these new chapter weight loss drugs
They primarily refer to a class of medications called GLP1 receptor agonists Originally for type 2 diabetes they work by mimicking gut hormones that regulate appetite and insulin leading to significant weight loss for many people
3 Are these just miracle diet pills
No The WHO and medical experts are clear these are not simple overthecounter pills They are potent prescription medications for chronic weight management intended for individuals with obesity or weightrelated health conditions and require medical supervision
4 Whats the main benefit of this new approach
The key benefit is having medical tools that can produce substantial sustained weight loss for the first time This can dramatically improve obesityrelated health issues like heart disease diabetes and high blood pressure
Common Concerns Problems
5 What are the common side effects
Common side effects are often gastrointestinal and can include nausea vomiting diarrhea and constipation These usually lessen over time More serious but rarer risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder issues
6 Is the weight loss permanent
No not automatically These medications are meant for longterm use Similar to high blood pressure medication if you stop taking them the appetitesuppressing effects wear off and weight is likely to be regained They are a treatment not a onetime cure
7 Why is access such a big problem
These drugs are very expensive often not covered by insurance and in short supply globally The WHO has raised concerns about equity as high costs and limited supply could widen health inequalities making them inaccessible to most of the worlds population who needs them
Advanced Practical Questions
8 How is this a new chapter compared to old weight loss drugs
Previous medications typically resulted in
