World Health Organization (WHO) issues first-ever global guideline on using GLP-1 medicines to treat obesity

 World Health Organization (WHO) issues first-ever global guideline on using GLP-1 medicines to treat obesity

What his death signifies for the ongoing discussion and future of assisted dying.

Minelli’s decision to take his own life — using the very method he fought to make accessible — serves as a profound and symbolic statement. It highlights his enduring belief that individuals should have the ultimate say over how their life ends, particularly when faced with suffering or decline.

In many places where assisted dying is still a hot-button issue or outright illegal, his passing could spark renewed debate — prompting discussions about dignity, personal choice, ethics, and regulations. Dignitas has expressed its commitment to continue his legacy.

For supporters, this is a reaffirmation of the right-to-die movement. For those against it, it’s a moment to pause and reconsider the safeguards, potential for misuse, and moral ramifications.

WHO’s groundbreaking change: treating obesity as a chronic disease.

On December 1, 2025, the WHO officially released its first global guideline on the use of GLP-1 therapies (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) for managing obesity in adults.

With this guidance, the WHO emphasizes a significant shift: obesity isn’t just about lifestyle choices or willpower; it’s a complex and often chronic condition that demands long-term, comprehensive care.

According to WHO estimates, over 1 billion adults worldwide are living with obesity — a situation that leads to millions of preventable deaths each year.

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What the guideline outlines: the use of GLP-1 therapies

✅ GLP-1 as part of a long-term strategy for managing obesity.

The WHO recommends that GLP-1 therapies can be utilized as a long-term treatment option for adults dealing with obesity. Here, “long-term” means ongoing therapy for 6 months or more, in line with current regulatory definitions.

This recommendation is “conditional,” indicating that while there’s evidence of benefits, there are still uncertainties — especially regarding long-term safety, sustained effectiveness, weight maintenance after stopping the therapy, and issues related to cost or access.

It’s important to note that the guideline’s recommendations come with conditions: we still lack extensive long-term safety data, and questions about how to maintain weight loss after stopping therapy or how to adjust dosages over time remain unanswered.

Cost and access are significant hurdles. GLP-1 therapies can be pricey, and many low- and middle-income countries may find it challenging to provide widespread access. The WHO cautions that without intentional policies—like fair pricing, improved production, and distribution—these medications might stay out of reach for many who need them.

Simply put, medications alone won’t fix the global obesity crisis. The WHO stresses that broader societal and systemic changes—such as healthier food environments, public health initiatives, preventive measures, and long-term care—are crucial.

What Comes Next: Implications for Countries & Individuals

Governments and health systems are starting to weave GLP-1 therapies into their obesity management plans, particularly for adults grappling with high BMI or obesity-related health issues, all within a monitored, long-term care approach.

There’s likely to be increasing pressure on pharmaceutical companies and policymakers to ramp up production, lower prices, and make these treatments more accessible, especially in areas with limited resources. They might also need to think about including GLP-1 medications in essential medicines lists.

For patients, GLP-1 therapies could be a legitimate option, but they work best when paired with healthy lifestyle changes and under the guidance of healthcare professionals. It’s important to have realistic expectations about the commitment and follow-up required for long-term success.

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Conclusion

The WHO’s inaugural global guideline on GLP-1 therapies marks a significant turning point: it shifts the narrative around obesity from being seen as a personal failing or a lifestyle choice to recognizing it as a chronic, manageable condition that warrants long-term, integrated care. For millions around the globe, this could pave the way for safer, medically supervised routes to weight management and improved overall health. However, achieving success will hinge not just on the availability of medications, but also on robust health systems, equitable access, ongoing lifestyle support, and the determination of political leaders.