In response to the growing global challenge of obesity, the World Health Organization recently released its first global guideline　　on the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs for the treatment of obesity.Three drugs used to treat obesity in adults: liraglutide, smegglutide, and telpoglutide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as an adult body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. According to WHO data, obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease, affecting more than one billion people globally. Obesity-related deaths reached 3.7 million in 2024. Without decisive action, the number of obese individuals is projected to double by 2030. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “Obesity is a major global health challenge, and the WHO is committed to supporting countries and people worldwide in addressing it effectively and equitably. The new guidelines acknowledge that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive, lifelong care. While medication alone cannot solve the global health crisis, GLP-1 inhibitors can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms.”

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of drugs that can lower blood sugar, aid in weight loss, reduce the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications, and decrease the risk of premature death in patients with type 2 diabetes. Among the GLP-1 drugs mentioned in this guideline is semaglutide, which has garnered significant attention from the global medical and capital markets in recent years. In the first half of this year, the combined sales of semaglutide's three products (weight loss version, blood sugar-lowering version, and oral version) reached 112.756 billion Danish kroner (approximately US$17.579 billion), ranking first on the list of best-selling drugs globally in the first half of the year, claiming the title of "King of Drugs." Telpotetide ranked third with US$14.734 billion.

In September of this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) included GLP-1 inhibitors in its Essential Medicines List for the management of type 2 diabetes in high-risk populations. This new guideline makes conditional recommendations for the use of GLP-1 inhibitors in obesity treatment, emphasizing that they should be part of a comprehensive management approach that includes healthy eating, regular exercise, and health guidance from healthcare professionals. This also means that innovative GLP-1 inhibitors, including semaglutide, are gradually moving from being an "emerging treatment option" to becoming an "important tool for global chronic disease management," changing the traditional perception that obesity treatment "can only rely on lifestyle interventions."

Obesity is a complex chronic disease and a significant contributing factor to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. It also exacerbates the condition of patients with infectious diseases. The global economic burden of obesity is projected to reach $3 trillion by 2030. New guidelines help reduce the healthcare costs associated with obesity and its complications. Innovative drugs,　　including semaglutide, are being developed in this area.GLP-1 drugs are considered another "phenomenal chronic disease intervention" that, following statins, could have a profound impact on the structure of global public health and healthcare spending, with the related industry chain and market size continuing to expand. The new guidelines emphasize equitable access to GLP-1 drugs and the preparation of health systems for their use. Without supporting policies, drug accessibility could exacerbate health inequalities. The WHO calls for urgent action on production, affordability, and system preparedness; even with rapid capacity expansion, it is projected that less than 10% of the population will benefit by 2030. The guidelines recommend expanding accessibility through joint procurement, tiered pricing, and voluntary licensing.

However, the new guidelines also emphasize that medication alone cannot fundamentally solve the problem of obesity. Obesity is not only an individual issue but also a challenge for the entire society, requiring multi-sectoral collaboration, including developing robust community-based policies, creating a healthier environment, conducting screening and early intervention for high-risk groups, and ensuring access to lifelong, people-centered care services.

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