According to a 2022 global analysis, more than 1 billion people worldwide — including about 880 million adults — are living with obesity. To address this growing health challenge, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has released its first guidelines recommending the use of GLP-1 drugs for treating obesity in adults.
In 2022, about 43% of adults globally were overweight and 16% were obese. In India, around 70 million adults were obese, along with 12.5 million children aged 5–19.
What is a GLP-1 drug?
GLP-1 drugs are named after the natural hormone “Glucagon-Like Peptide-1” found in the human body. These medicines mimic the hormone and help in weight control.
How do they work?
GLP-1 drugs:
- slow down digestion
- help the body release insulin
- reduce hunger and increase fullness
These effects lower food intake and support weight loss. The drug was originally created for people with diabetes, and later it was found that it also helped patients lose weight.
What did WHO say?
WHO’s new guidelines state that:
- GLP-1 drugs may be used for adults with obesity.
- They should be part of a full treatment plan that includes diet, physical activity, and regular monitoring.
- The drugs should not be used during pregnancy.
- Access to these medicines should be fair and not limited by high prices.
- More research is still needed to understand long-term effects.
