WHO recommends GLP-1 drugs for adult obesity, urging global access amid patent expirations.

The World Health Organization has recommended GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy as long-term treatments for adult obesity, marking a major shift from previous guidance that focused only on lifestyle changes. The new guidelines, published in JAMA on December 1, 2025, classify obesity as a chronic disease and emphasize combining medication with diet and exercise. While these drugs show effectiveness in weight loss and reducing related health risks, the WHO warns fewer than 10% of those who could benefit currently have access, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The organization urges pharmaceutical companies to adopt tiered pricing, voluntary licensing, and technology sharing to expand availability, particularly as key patents expire in 2026.