WHO Warns of Severe Global Shortages of GLP-1 Obesity Medicines as Demand Surges
Key Takeaways:
- Fewer than one in ten people worldwide who could benefit from GLP-1 medicines such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are currently able to access them, due to major limitations in production, affordability, and health system readiness.
- The World Health Organization has issued its first formal guidance on the clinical use of GLP-1 therapies, describing them as “a new chapter” in the treatment of obesity, but emphasising the need for equitable access and comprehensive lifestyle support.
- Without urgent action, global obesity prevalence is projected to double to two billion people by 2030, with associated economic costs reaching three trillion US dollars.
WHO Issues first guidance on GLP-1 medicines amid severe supply constraints
The World Health Organization has warned that fewer than one in ten people globally who could benefit from modern GLP-1 obesity medicines are currently able to obtain them, despite the scale of the obesity epidemic and the transformative clinical potential of drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro.
With more than one billion people worldwide now living with obesity, the WHO has called for far more widespread, affordable, and equitable access to GLP-1 therapies. Projections indicate that more than two billion people will be living with obesity by 2030 unless governments implement decisive action. The economic burden is expected to rise steeply, with global costs anticipated to reach three trillion US dollars by the same date.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stressed that modern pharmacological treatments must be understood as part of a long-term care approach. He stated: “Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care. While medication alone will not solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms.”
The WHO has already added GLP-1 medicines to its essential medicines list for people who are overweight and living with diabetes, signalling that countries are advised to provide access to them. The organisation’s new guidance, described as a “special communication” aimed at clinicians, sets out for the first time its formal position on the value, limitations, and safe use of these drugs.
A new chapter in obesity treatment
The WHO notes that GLP-1 therapies represent “more than a scientific breakthrough”. They mark a decisive shift in how obesity is conceptualised, moving away from viewing it solely as a “lifestyle condition” and towards recognising it as a complex, preventable, and treatable chronic disease. The statement published in the Journal of the American Medical Association asserted: “GLP-1 therapies … have emerged as an important innovation in addressing the global obesity challenge. The advent of these medications represents a tipping point in the treatment of obesity, its complications and related co-morbidities.”
The WHO highlighted increasing evidence that GLP-1 therapies may also reduce the risk of several serious conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, sleep apnoea, and kidney and arterial disease.
However, the organisation emphasised that these medicines must always be paired with holistic support. Individuals prescribed GLP-1s should receive advice on nutrition, physical activity, and behavioural counselling to maintain weight loss and improve long-term health outcomes. The WHO also reiterated that pregnant women should not use GLP-1 therapies.
Global access limited by production, affordability, and system capacity
Despite rising demand, global production capacity remains a major barrier. The WHO estimates that even under the most optimistic forecasts, manufacturers could produce enough GLP-1 medicines for only about 100 million people. This represents less than 10 per cent of the more than one billion who could benefit.
High prices, limited manufacturing capability, and supply chain constraints all significantly restrict access. The WHO has urged pharmaceutical companies to expand production rapidly and to reduce the prices of medications such as Mounjaro and Ozempic to prevent people in low-income countries from being excluded.
The guideline calls for measures such as voluntary licensing, through which patent-holding companies allow other manufacturers to produce low-cost generic versions. This pathway may soon become more viable as key patents expire. The patent on semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, is due to expire in several countries in 2026. Once this occurs, manufacturers in India, Canada, China, Brazil, Turkey, and other jurisdictions will be able to develop and sell more affordable versions.
The WHO also underscored three persistent barriers that must be addressed to achieve global access:
- Limited production capacity, availability, and affordability.
- Health system readiness to prescribe and monitor the medicines.
- Universal access to healthcare services.
Dr Tedros stressed the organisation’s “greatest concern is equitable access”.
Calls for national action on prevention and supportive environments
While pharmacotherapy can assist individuals living with obesity, the WHO stated that countries must continue to prioritise prevention and create healthier environments. This includes promoting physical activity, improving food systems, and ensuring that population-level interventions accompany advances in medical treatment.
How GLP-1 obesity medicines work
GLP-1 medicines work by mimicking a natural hormone that slows digestion, suppresses appetite, and increases feelings of fullness. This results in people eating less and typically losing weight within a few weeks of starting treatment.
In the United Kingdom, GLP-1 medicines are prescription-only and can only be supplied following clinical assessment by a healthcare professional. Some formulations are available through the NHS, although many are obtained privately. A black market for these medicines exists, and the WHO and UK regulators warn that people should avoid unregulated sources such as beauty salons or social media sellers.
Research suggests that people often regain much of the weight within a year after stopping GLP-1 therapy, as physiological hunger cues return. This further reinforces the need for comprehensive, long-term behavioural support.
Global obesity burden and associated risks
Obesity affects people in every country and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the WHO. Being overweight or living with obesity increases the risk of numerous serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and several cancers. The WHO’s statement highlights the immense public health implications if access to effective interventions continues to lag far behind global need.
Expert commentary
The WHO statement was authored by senior clinicians Francesca Celletti, Luz De Regil, and Jeremy Farrar, the organisation’s Assistant Director for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Control. Dr Farrar formerly served as WHO Chief Scientist and Director of the Wellcome Trust in London.
Katherine Jenner, Executive Director of the United Kingdom’s Obesity Health Alliance, emphasised that medicines are only part of the solution. She stated: “Weight loss drugs have an important role to play, but they are not a silver bullet. In the United Kingdom right now, access is still limited, supply is fragile, and NHS use is tightly targeted. These powerful medicines can help individuals with chronic obesity, but they are not suitable for everyone and must be accompanied by comprehensive support to be used safely and effectively. Evidence shows that most people regain weight once they stop taking these drugs, and we cannot medicate two-thirds of the population indefinitely.”
CCH insight:
The limited supply of GLP-1 medicines globally is of course frustrating, but until new drugs come to market, and just liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide available, this is likely to continue. All three of these drugs are polypeptides, delivered via injection ‘pens’ and must be refrigerated, so they are expensive and complicated to produce. However, new GLP-1 medications are in development which should improve access and reduce costs, such as orforglipron – a small molecule which is easier to produce and can be taken orally in pill form.
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WHO Issues First Global Guideline on GLP-1 Therapies for Treating Obesity
Key Takeaways:
- WHO has released its first global guideline on the use of GLP-1 therapies for treating obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease, offering conditional recommendations for adults.
- While the medicines show meaningful benefits, WHO stresses that medication alone will not reverse the obesity crisis and that person-centred, lifelong care is essential.
- Concerns remain about long-term safety data, affordability, availability, and the potential for widening global health disparities without deliberate policy action.
Introduction: A new milestone in global obesity care
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first global guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for treating obesity, a chronic and relapsing disease affecting more than one billion people worldwide. Obesity contributes to 3.7 million deaths globally each year, and without urgent action the number of people living with obesity is projected to double by 2030.
The new guideline follows the decision made in September 2025 to add GLP-1 therapies to the WHO Essential Medicines List for managing type 2 diabetes in individuals at high risk. With this new document, WHO provides its first formal, conditional recommendations on the use of GLP-1 therapies specifically for obesity as part of a comprehensive treatment approach that includes healthy diets, regular physical activity, and professional health support.
“Obesity is a major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing by supporting countries and people worldwide to control it, effectively and equitably. Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “While medication alone won’t solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms.”
The global and economic burden of obesity
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease and a major driver of noncommunicable conditions including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. It also worsens outcomes for people who develop infectious diseases.
The global economic burden is profound. The worldwide cost of obesity is projected to reach US$ 3 trillion every year by 2030 due to increased healthcare demands and the rising costs of managing obesity-related complications. WHO hopes that clear guidance on the use of GLP-1 therapies will support efforts to reduce escalating healthcare expenditure while improving outcomes for people affected by obesity.
A landmark policy shift: WHO’s conditional recommendations
WHO’s new guideline sets out two key conditional recommendations based on currently available evidence.
1. Use of GLP-1 therapies in adults living with obesity
WHO states that GLP-1 therapies may be considered for long-term treatment in adults, excluding pregnant women. The medicines have demonstrated clear efficacy in supporting weight loss and improving metabolic outcomes. However, the recommendation remains conditional due to several concerns:
- Limited long-term data on safety, durability, maintenance, and outcomes following discontinuation
- High costs of treatment
- Insufficient readiness of health systems to support widespread use
- Possible negative effects on health equity
2. Combining GLP-1 therapies with intensive behavioural interventions
WHO also recommends that adults living with obesity and prescribed GLP-1 therapies may be offered structured behavioural interventions, including support for dietary changes and increased physical activity. This recommendation reflects low-certainty evidence suggesting that combining medication with lifestyle interventions may yield better outcomes.
Medication alone will not reverse the obesity crisis
Although GLP-1 therapies represent the first highly effective pharmacological treatment for adults living with obesity, WHO emphasises that medication on its own is insufficient. Obesity must be addressed as both an individual and societal challenge. The guideline calls for a fundamental shift toward comprehensive strategies built on three pillars:
- Creating healthier environments through population-level policies that promote health and prevent obesity.
- Protecting people at high risk by using targeted screening and structured early interventions.
- Ensuring person-centred, lifelong care for people living with obesity, recognising the chronic nature of the disease.
Implementing the guideline: Equity, system readiness and global access
WHO notes that fair access to GLP-1 therapies must be prioritised. Without deliberate policies, these medicines could deepen existing global health inequalities. System readiness, affordability, and supply capacity are major concerns.
Even with rapid increases in manufacturing, GLP-1 therapies are expected to reach fewer than 10 percent of people who could benefit from them by 2030. WHO urges global leaders to consider approaches that expand access, such as:
- Tiered pricing
- Pooled procurement mechanisms
- Voluntary licensing arrangements
These measures could help prevent widening disparities as demand expands.
Development of the guideline
The guideline was developed in direct response to requests from WHO Member States seeking actionable direction on obesity care. The process involved:
- Extensive assessment of available scientific evidence
- Input from global stakeholders
- Engagement with people who have lived experience of obesity
This document forms a core component of the WHO acceleration plan to stop obesity and will be updated regularly as new evidence emerges.
During 2026, WHO intends to work with partners to create a transparent and equitable prioritisation framework to ensure that individuals with the greatest medical need receive treatment first.
Notes to editors
About GLP-1 therapies for obesity
WHO defines obesity in adults as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above. GLP-1 receptor agonists help lower blood glucose, support weight loss, reduce cardiovascular and renal risks, and can reduce early mortality in people with type 2 diabetes.
This guideline provides recommendations for three GLP-1 agents used in the long-term treatment of obesity in adults:
- Liraglutide
- Semaglutide
- Tirzepatide
Falsified and substandard products
The surge in global demand has contributed to the spread of falsified and substandard GLP-1 products. WHO stresses that safe access requires:
- Prescription and distribution through regulated, qualified healthcare providers
- Strong oversight and monitoring
- Patient education
- International cooperation to safeguard public health
The organisation warns that falsified or substandard medicines threaten both patient safety and public trust.
CCH insight:
This new guideline is very welcome. The World Health Organisation has been a little slow in recognising obesity as a chronic relapsing disease and the importance of GLP-1 medications as a very important development in obesity treatment. However, these guidelines are comprehensive, consistent with treatment of obesity as a chronic relapsing disease, and recognise the challenges of delivering safe, sustainable, equitable obesity care.
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Ozempic and GLP-1 Drugs Added to WHO Essential Medicines List – What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know
The WHO has added GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), often referred to as GLP-1 drugs, to its Essential Medicines List. This signals global recognition of their role in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. From an educational perspective, this is a turning point. It will accelerate patient demand and prescribing opportunities for healthcare professionals worldwide. The question we must now ask is how to best prepare for their safe and effective use.
By Nigel Hinchliffe, CCH Director of Education
Global recognition of GLP-1 therapy
The World Health Organisation has just published its latest Essential Medicines List (EML) – the first since July 2023. One of the most notable new inclusions is GLP-1-based medications (such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro) for type 2 diabetes and obesity treatments.
The EML is a list of over 500 medicines that the WHO consider essential to meet priority healthcare needs. These medicines should be available to all, affordable and of assured quality at all times. Medicines are selected based on public health relevance, evidence of benefits and harms, and with consideration of cost and affordability.
Four GLP-1RA drugs are now included in the EML:
- dulaglutide (Trulicity)
- liraglutide (Saxenda)
- semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and
- tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)
Their inclusion confirms what many of you will already have observed in practice: these are no longer fringe therapies, but treatments you must be ready to encounter routinely.
What this means for healthcare professionals
This decision signals global recognition of GLP-1RAs as critical therapies for serious chronic conditions – for treating metabolic disorders. It stands in sharp contrast to the public narrative that too often frames them as cosmetic quick fixes.
For practitioners, this shift will likely be significant. It could mean more time spent answering patient questions, more conversations about eligibility, and in many cases more opportunities to prescribe. In fact, whether you are directly involved in prescribing or working alongside those who are, these changes will affect everyday clinical practice. The challenge is ensuring that you are not only ready to meet demand but also prepared to integrate these medicines safely and thoughtfully into care.
Access and affordability challenges
The inclusion of Ozempic and other GLP-1RA drugs on the WHO list of Essential Medicines also raises questions of equity. Will these medicines be available and affordable for people living with obesity and type 2 diabetes worldwide?
At present, access remains limited. In the private sector, costs and supply constraints limit use. On the NHS, access is further restricted by the tight eligibility criteria set by NICE.
But change is coming. Cost and supply barriers are likely to ease over the next few years, as patents expire and generic versions become available. For example, liraglutide’s European patents are due to expire in 2026, with dulaglutide following in 2027–2028. The WHO’s decision should encourage governments to prepare, influencing policies, funding and procurement to improve availability and access.
For the UK, this could be transformative. Increased availability and lower costs may prompt NICE to broaden eligibility, enabling wider GLP-1RA prescribing on the NHS. For those of us working in education, this presents both an opportunity and a responsibility: ensuring professionals are supported to use these therapies well.
Wider access would also bring system-wide benefits, since preventing complications of obesity and diabetes – from cardiovascular disease to cancer and liver disease – is both clinically sound and economically sensible.
For healthcare professionals, the question is not whether you will encounter these drugs, but how ready you will be to use them well.
Preparing for safe GLP-1RA prescribing
Recent media reports of people obtaining GLP-1RA drugs from private clinics, or even the black market, without adequate medical oversight show the risks of uncontrolled use. This has already led to poor outcomes and, in some cases, serious emergencies.
The WHO’s decision to classify these medicines as essential has the potential to change this picture. By embedding GLP-1RA prescribing within NHS pathways, particularly in NHS primary care, people living with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity will gain access to GLP-1RA therapy within structured, long-term, multi-modal care. But it also raises the stakes: safe prescribing depends on practitioners having the right preparation and confidence.
Many frontline healthcare professionals will need additional support to build this knowledge and confidence. These drugs were traditionally confined to diabetes management pathways. Their use in weight management and obesity care requires careful attention to contra-indications, side-effect management, dose optimisation, and integration with diet and lifestyle support.
Targeted education is one of the most effective ways to bridge this gap. High-quality CPD can equip you with the knowledge and skills to prescribe responsibly or to contribute meaningfully to treatment planning, even if you are not prescribing directly. For those seeking a practical starting point, CCH’s online course GLP-1RAs in Focus – Why Drugs Like Ozempic Work, offers a clear, evidence-based introduction in just two hours.
Looking ahead to 2026
Next year 2026, could mark a turning point in obesity and diabetes care. Recognition of GLP-1RA medications as essential medicines, combined with greater availability, will almost certainly increase both prescribing opportunities and patient demand.
As an educator, I see this as a moment to prepare. For healthcare professionals, the question is not whether you will encounter these drugs, but how ready you will be to use them well. By strengthening your knowledge and skills now, you will be best placed to meet the challenge – and to support patients in making the most of this new phase in care.
FAQs: Ozempic, GLP-1 drugs, and the WHO Essential Medicines List (2025)
Why did WHO add GLP-1 drugs to the Essential Medicines List?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reviews medicines for the Essential Medicines List based on public health relevance, evidence of benefit, safety, and cost-effectiveness. GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, were added in 2025 due to strong evidence that they improve outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity, reducing cardiovascular risk as well as supporting weight management and improving blood sugar control.
Which GLP-1 drugs are included on the WHO list?
The 2025 Essential Medicines List includes dulaglutide (Trulicity), liraglutide (Saxenda/Victoza), semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound). These medicines were selected for their efficacy, safety, and potential to address the global burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
What does this mean for NHS access to GLP-1 therapies?
In the UK, NHS access to GLP-1 drugs is currently restricted by NICE eligibility criteria and supply limitations. The WHO decision does not directly change NHS policy, but it is likely to influence future guidance. As costs fall with the arrival of generic versions from 2026 onwards, NICE may broaden eligibility, making these treatments more widely available.
Are GLP-1 drugs safe for all patients?
GLP-1 therapies are effective but not suitable for everyone. Contra-indications include a history of certain endocrine conditions, while gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea are common during dose escalation. Safe prescribing requires clinical assessment, careful monitoring, and support with diet and lifestyle changes. This is why training and professional education are vital for healthcare providers.
Quick Links
Find the 2025: WHO Model List of Essential Medicines here.
Find a clear, evidence-based intro to GLP-1 drugs with the online course. Click here to explore GLP-1RAs in Focus – Why Drugs Like Ozempic Work.
About the Author
This article was written by Nigel Hinchliffe, Director of Education at the College of Contemporary Health (CCH). Nigel has extensive experience in clinical education, with a particular focus on obesity care and the safe integration of new therapies into practice. At CCH, he leads the development of evidence-based training programmes that support healthcare professionals in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.
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