Name: WHO backs GLP-1 meds like Ozempic to treat obesity
Uploaded: 2025-12-03T00:45:25.404Z
Duration: 1 min 49 s
Description: The World Health Organization is backing GLP-1 medications for the treatment of obesity, which some advocates hope will open up access to the drugs and improve affordability. Brands such as Ozempic and Wegovy are already wildly popular in North America.

The World Health Organization is backing GLP-1 medications for the treatment of obesity, which some advocates hope will open up access to the drugs and improve affordability. Brands such as Ozempic and Wegovy are already wildly popular in North America.

Geneva

The World Health Organization has endorsed GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic and Wagovi, for the treatment of obesity, in addition to their established use for diabetes. This recommendation is intended to complement lifestyle changes such as exercise and a healthy diet. 

Obesity remains a significant global health issue, with over 1 billion people affected and millions dying annually from related conditions. Despite the WHO's support, challenges remain regarding the cost and accessibility of these medications, with less than 10% of eligible patients expected to benefit by 2030.

WHO backs GLP-1 meds like Ozempic to treat obesity

The World Health Organization is boosting the legitimacy of GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic and Wagovi. These new medicines are a powerful clinical tool. Already recommended to treat diabetes, the WHO is now endorsing them to treat obesity too, alongside exercise and a healthy diet. Obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of our time. Globally, more than 1 billion people are considered obese. Last year alone, 3.7 million people died from obesity-related conditions like heart disease or diabetes. The Canadian scientist who discovered the hormone used in the medications applauds the WHO's move. I think this additional scrutiny of the totality of the evidence by WHO will add weight to the importance of treating obesity seriously. A recent survey suggests 1.4 million Canadians are already taking a GLP-1. In Canada, the drugs require a prescription, and the cost usually isn't covered for obesity treatment. On average, I'm spending about $500 a month. For the last decade, Lisa Schaffer has been using a GLP-1 to manage her weight. She wants the medication paid for, for those who really need it. What's really heartbreaking is we're seeing more often people going, guess what, I'm formally diagnosed with having diabetes, which means now my medication is covered. We shouldn't be that excited to get another really serious chronic condition to get the treatment that we actually deserve. And while these drugs are having their moment in mainstream culture, experts say they're not a quick fix, with side effects like muscle loss and vitamin deficiency possible. If you're thinking about there's an event coming and you just need to lose some weight prior to that event, I mean, these meds are not for those patients. The WHO says access and affordability are still big hurdles, with the drugs projected to reach less than 10% of those who could actually benefit by 2030.

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