The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted the promise of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for tackling the growing global obesity crisis. Obesity affects more than one billion people around the globe and is acknowledged as a chronic and recurring disease, presenting major challenges to public health, social equity, and economic stability. 

The prevalence of obesity has reached alarming levels, leading to 5 million deaths related to it in 2019, which represented 12% of all noncommunicable disease (NCD) deaths worldwide. The financial burden is significant, with global costs expected to hit $3 trillion each year by 2030. In certain countries, the healthcare costs associated with obesity may account for as much as 18% of their national health budgets.

Even with many prevention policies aimed at encouraging healthier diets and physical activity, their effectiveness in reversing obesity trends has been minimal. Dr. Peter Marks, Director of the FDA’s Centre for Biologics Evaluation and Research, stated, “This first mesenchymal stromal cell therapy approval highlights the FDA’s dedication to fostering the development of safe and effective products that may enhance the quality of life for patients experiencing symptoms that do not respond to other treatments.” 

GLP-1 RAs mark a significant advancement in the management of obesity. Clinical trials show that these drugs can lead to body weight reductions of 10%-25%, while also enhancing cardiovascular and metabolic health outcomes. The approvals of semaglutide in 2021 and tirzepatide in 2023 represent important advancements in the treatment of obesity through pharmacological means. 

Dr. Francesco Branca from WHO’s Department of Nutrition and Food Safety highlighted, “These advancements could transform health systems by integrating effective obesity management into primary care.” Yet, relying solely on medication is not enough to tackle this complex disease. 

Even with their potential, systemic obstacles impede the broad use of GLP-1 RAs. Significant expenses, constraints in supply chains, and disparities in access continue to pose major challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Dr. Nicole Verdun from WHO emphasised: “Without sufficient health system preparedness, a fragmented approach focused solely on pharmaceuticals may result in unfair and insufficient solutions.” 

There are also ongoing negative attitudes about obesity, a lack of complete clinical guidelines, and different care models that don't see obesity as a long-term illness that needs a unified public health approach. 

The WHO supports a broad approach that includes drug treatments like GLP-1 RAs along with changes in lifestyle, public health programs, and systems for providing supportive care. In 2022, 33 countries pledged their support for the WHO Acceleration Plan to Stop Obesity, with the goal of decreasing national obesity rates by 5% by 2030 through comprehensive prevention and treatment approaches. 

The organisation is currently developing evidence-based global guidelines for the use of GLP-1 RA, with plans to publish them in July 2025. This document will cover clinical indications, application protocols, and programmatic considerations designed for various healthcare environments, including low- and middle-income countries. 

The rise of GLP-1 RAs presents a distinctive chance to reshape the worldwide approach to obesity. By using these pharmacological tools within a comprehensive care model, health systems can tackle the underlying causes of obesity while enhancing access and equity. 

Dr. Jeremy Farrar of WHO highlighted the importance of the issue: “The critical question is not whether these pharmacological interventions are welcome, but whether they can catalyse a transformation in global health systems to ensure equitable and effective care for all.” 

The global community is now at a pivotal moment, equipped with the tools available today. Achieving success hinges on taking advantage of this opportunity to combine innovative treatments with comprehensive reforms, ultimately addressing one of the most urgent public health challenges the world is facing today.