WHO Endorses New Obesity Treatment Options

December 23, 2024

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved GLP-1 receptor agonists as a treatment for obesity, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, to mimic hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar. The WHO emphasizes that while healthy eating and exercise are crucial, they alone cannot solve the obesity epidemic.

Global Obesity Statistics

Obesity is a pressing global issue. In 2022, one in eight people worldwide was classified as obese, totaling 890 million adults and 160 million adolescents. Since 1990, obesity rates among adults have doubled, while rates among adolescents have quadrupled. In India, 44 million women and 26 million men were affected by obesity in 2022. Childhood obesity has also surged, from 0.2 million obese children in 1990 to 12.5 million in 2022.

Economic Impact of Obesity

The financial burden of obesity is staggering. Global healthcare costs related to obesity are projected to reach $3 trillion by 2030. In nations where 30% of the population is obese, healthcare expenses could consume 18% of national budgets. Obesity also contributes to mortality, causing 5 million deaths from non-communicable diseases in 2019, representing 12% of all such deaths.

Development of GLP-1 Medications

As patents for semaglutide near expiration in countries like India and Brazil, local manufacturers are working on generic versions. Additionally, more GLP-1-based medications are in development globally. Notable examples include Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, originally for type 2 diabetes, which gained popularity for weight loss. Wegovy, another semaglutide formulation, was approved for chronic weight management in 2021. Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, approved in 2023, also addresses obesity.

The WHO plans to release guidelines for the safe and effective use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adults with obesity. These guidelines are expected in July 2025 and will aim to standardise treatment protocols worldwide.

GKToday Notes:
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: These medications mimic hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar. They are in managing obesity, offering new treatment avenues for global health challenges.
Semaglutide: Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has gained popularity for weight loss. Its patent expiration in several countries may lead to more affordable generic options.
Wegovy: Approved in 2021 for chronic weight management, Wegovy is a semaglutide-based drug. It represents advancement in obesity treatment, aiming to improve health outcomes.
Zepbound: Eli Lilly’s Zepbound was approved in 2023 for obesity treatment. It marks the ongoing development of GLP-1 medications, expanding options for managing weight-related health issues.

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