Obesity has become one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide, affecting populations in both high-income and lower-income countries. The World Health Organization estimates that more than one billion people are living with obesity, while the condition is associated with a wide range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
The growing availability of medicines known as GLP-1 therapies has transformed the global conversation around obesity treatment. Drugs based on active ingredients such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have attracted considerable attention because of their effects on weight management and metabolic health.
In December 2025, the WHO issued its first global guideline on the use of GLP-1 medicines for the treatment of obesity in adults. The recommendations recognise obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease and support the use of these medicines as part of comprehensive care that also includes healthy diets, physical activity and professional support.
The debate, however, extends beyond clinical effectiveness. The cost of GLP-1 medicines and their availability remain significant barriers, particularly for people living in low- and middle-income countries. Without strategies to improve affordability and supply, access to these treatments could remain concentrated among wealthier populations.
The scale of the obesity crisis also means that medicines alone cannot provide a complete solution. Public health policies addressing food environments, physical activity, prevention and social determinants remain essential. The WHO has stressed that obesity is influenced by complex interactions involving biology, behaviour, access to healthy food and wider environmental factors.
Countries around the world are now facing the challenge of deciding how these therapies should be incorporated into healthcare systems. The experience of the United States and other countries with high demand for GLP-1 medicines could influence future policies elsewhere, while the global debate increasingly focuses on ensuring that medical advances reach the people who need them most.