World Health Organization prepares to endorse weight loss drugs as obesity crisis escalates across the United States and worldwide

In a major shift that could change the way obesity is treated around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing to officially recommend weight loss drugs for adults.

This comes as the global fight against obesity intensifies, with more than a billion people affected worldwide—including over 40% of adults in the United States alone.

A Change of Heart from WHO

Just last year, the WHO said it couldn’t support these drugs due to a lack of long-term data.

But now, according to a leaked memo obtained by Reuters, the agency is planning to give them a conditional green light.

This recommendation could also see the medications added to the WHO’s Essential Medicines List—an important step that would make them more accessible in many countries.

From Controversial to Crucial

These drugs, commonly known as GLP-1s (short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists), have made headlines for their impressive ability to help people lose weight with just a weekly injection.

Brands like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have become increasingly popular, especially in the U.S., where demand has skyrocketed.

But the rapid rise in use hasn’t come without concerns.

Some experts worry about side effects, with reports suggesting that as many as 70 Americans a day were hospitalized last year due to complications possibly linked to the drugs.

Access and Affordability Are Big Questions

While the science around these medications is still developing, WHO’s new guidance will call for their use in both high-income and low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).

However, there’s a big hurdle: cost.

These drugs currently run over $1,000 a month in many places, making them unaffordable for millions—especially in poorer regions where obesity is also a growing issue.

To address this, WHO is urging countries to consider large-scale access programs like tiered pricing or pooled procurement—strategies that have worked in the past to bring down the cost of life-saving drugs, such as HIV medications.

Essential Medicines Status May Be Around the Corner

Next week, WHO experts will meet to discuss whether these weight loss drugs should be added to the organization’s Essential Medicines List, not only for obesity but also for type 2 diabetes.

Being on this list can dramatically improve access around the globe, as seen when insulin and HIV drugs were added in the past.

If approved, this could push countries to stock these medications in public health systems and could trigger insurance companies and governments to cover the cost.

Generics Could Bring Big Savings

There’s also good news on the affordability front.

The active ingredient in Wegovy—semaglutide—is set to lose its patent in some countries next year.

That opens the door for generic versions that could cost a fraction of today’s prices.

In fact, liraglutide, used in older weight loss drugs, is already available in cheaper generic forms in the U.S. and Europe.

A Step Forward With Caution

Still, WHO is being cautious.

The recommendation coming this August will be “conditional,” and the agency is calling for more long-term studies on both health outcomes and cost-effectiveness, especially in resource-limited settings.

The agency is also expected to release separate guidance soon on using these medications in children and teenagers, where the issue of childhood obesity is becoming just as pressing.

What Comes Next?

The formal recommendation will arrive in August, but next week’s meeting on the Essential Medicines List will be a key milestone.

If the drugs make the list, we could see a domino effect—governments, health insurers, and clinics might move quickly to make them more accessible.

For now, the conversation around obesity is changing.

With WHO stepping in, weight loss drugs could become a global tool—not just a trend.