The World Health Organization approves GLP-1 drugs for the treatment of obesity and diabetes
In a strategic shift aimed at addressing one of the most serious health challenges of the 21st century, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new and landmark guidelines confirming the efficacy and effectiveness of GLP-1-modifying antibody (GLP-1) drugs in obesity and diabetes treatment programs. This announcement represents a pivotal turning point for the more than one billion people worldwide living with obesity, putting an end to the medical debate surrounding the role of pharmacological intervention in weight management.
A smart mechanism that mimics nature
This class of drugs, which includes prominent brand names such as Ozempic, Wegovi, and Mongaro, relies on advanced medical technology that mimics the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1 produced by the intestines. These drugs perform a crucial dual function: on the one hand, they stimulate the pancreas to release insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, and on the other hand, they interact with specific receptors in the brain responsible for appetite, sending strong signals of satiety and slowing gastric emptying, which automatically leads to a reduction in calorie intake.
From diabetes treatment to a global phenomenon
These drugs didn't appear suddenly; they have a history spanning about a decade. Initially, GLP-1 receptor agonists were developed exclusively to treat type 2 diabetes. Over time, through clinical observation, physicians and researchers noticed a remarkable positive side effect: significant weight loss in patients. This discovery led pharmaceutical companies to conduct trials specifically designed to treat obesity, resulting in the current regulatory approvals that have transformed the landscape of preventive and therapeutic medicine globally.
Obesity: The silent epidemic and its heavy toll
The World Health Organization's move came in response to deeply alarming data; statistics indicate that in 2022 alone, more than 3.7 million people died from diseases directly linked to excess weight. To illustrate the enormity of this figure, it exceeds the combined total of deaths from malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV. This reality places immense pressure on global economies and healthcare systems, as obesity-related diseases such as heart disease and cancer drain healthcare budgets.
A radical change in medical concepts
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the importance of changing the traditional view of obesity, declaring it a "chronic disease" requiring ongoing medical intervention, and not simply a result of willpower or lifestyle choices. The new guidelines aim to integrate these medications into a comprehensive adult healthcare system, paving the way for broader insurance coverage and greater medical recognition of the disease's severity.
Conditional recommendations: not a magic wand
Despite the global welcome, the WHO maintained its recommendations as "conditional." Experts emphasized that these drugs are not a magic bullet that replaces essential health measures. To ensure effectiveness and safety, and to prevent weight regain after discontinuing the medication, treatment must be accompanied by significant and sustainable changes in diet and physical activity. The WHO also noted the need for further long-term studies to monitor any rare side effects that may emerge with prolonged use.
