Here is WHO’s Global Guideline on GLP-1 Medicines in a crisp, exam-ready Current Affair format:

WHO’s Global Guideline on GLP-1 Medicines

1.Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first-ever global guideline on the use of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) medicines for treating obesity in adults.
These drugs—such as Semaglutide, Liraglutide, and Tirzepatide—have shown significant weight-loss benefits and are reshaping obesity treatment worldwide.

2. Why in News?

• On 1 December 2025, WHO officially released a comprehensive global guideline for prescribing and using GLP-1–based medicines for obesity management.
• This comes after WHO added GLP-1 medicines to its Essential Medicines List (EML) in September 2025 for type-2 diabetes.
• The guideline aims to help countries adopt evidence-based, equitable, and safe obesity-care strategies.

3. Key Highlights of the Guideline

A. Recommended Use

• GLP-1 medicines may be used for long-term treatment of obesity in non-pregnant adults with BMI ≥ 30.
• Medicines should be taken continuously for at least 6 months, with many trials showing benefits over 1 year or more.

B. Integrated Care Approach

• GLP-1 drugs must be used alongside lifestyle and behavioral therapy, including:
  • Balanced diet
  • Regular physical activity
  • Counseling and monitoring
• Obesity is recognised as a chronic, relapsing disease requiring lifelong management.

C. Conditional Recommendation

• WHO’s recommendation is “conditional”, due to:
  • Moderate or limited long-term safety data
  • Uncertainty about effects after stopping treatment
  • High cost and limited global supply of GLP-1 drugs

4. Rationale and Evidence

• GLP-1 medicines have shown 10–20% weight reduction in clinical trials.
• Also help improve blood sugar levels, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve quality of life.
• Evidence supports long-term benefit, but more data is needed on maintenance dosing, withdrawal effects, and long-term safety.

5. Concerns and Challenges

A. Accessibility Issues

• High prices and global shortages limit access, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
• WHO warns the demand for these drugs may outpace production for years.

B. Safety & Monitoring

• Potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, gallbladder issues, and rare severe complications.
• Requires careful medical supervision.

C. Health-System Preparedness

• Countries need strong systems to provide:
  • Long-term follow-up
  • Behavioral therapy support
  • Regulated prescription pathways

6. Significance of the Guideline

• Marks a major global shift, formally recognising obesity as a chronic disease requiring sustained treatment.
• Provides a standardised global framework for countries to integrate GLP-1 medicines into obesity-care programmes.
• Could help reduce the global burden of obesity-related diseases: diabetes, CVD, liver disease, and kidney disease.

7. Implications for India

• India faces rapidly rising obesity prevalence, especially in urban areas.
• The guideline may push India to:
  • Expand access to GLP-1 drugs
  • Regulate pricing and supply
  • Strengthen lifestyle-management programmes
  • Integrate obesity care into primary health services

8. Conclusion

WHO’s global guideline marks an important step in transforming obesity management worldwide. It emphasises long-term, integrated, safe, and equitable treatment, while highlighting the urgent need to improve affordability and access to GLP-1 medicines.