What's Happening?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced its support for the use of weight-loss drugs to treat obesity, marking a significant shift in its approach to the condition. The WHO's draft guidelines recommend GLP-1 drugs, originally developed by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above. This recommendation is part of a broader strategy to treat obesity as a chronic disease rather than a lifestyle issue. The guidelines are open for consultation until September 27, and they aim to establish a global standard of care for obesity treatment.
Why It's Important?
The endorsement of weight-loss drugs by the WHO is a critical development in the global fight against obesity, which affects over 1 billion people worldwide. By recognizing obesity as a chronic disease, the WHO is encouraging countries to adopt more comprehensive treatment strategies that include medication alongside lifestyle and behavioral changes. This could lead to increased access to effective treatments, particularly in high-income countries like the United States, where obesity rates are high. However, the high cost of these drugs may limit their availability in low- and middle-income countries.
What's Next?
The WHO is developing separate guidelines for treating obesity in children and adolescents, which could further expand the use of weight-loss drugs. Countries may begin to integrate these recommendations into their national health policies, potentially leading to increased demand for GLP-1 drugs. Pharmaceutical companies might respond by increasing production or seeking ways to reduce costs to improve accessibility.
