The World Health Organization has issued first-of-its-kind guidance recognizing obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease requiring lifelong care — and endorsing GLP-1 therapies as part of long-term treatment for adults with obesity.
With 1+ billion people affected and 3.7 million deaths in 2024, the WHO says medication-supported care could dramatically reduce cardiometabolic and cancer risks — but warns of rising costs, limited long-term data, and widening access gaps. Even by 2030, fewer than 10% of eligible patients may receive GLP-1 treatment.
The new guidelines call for:
• GLP-1 therapies paired with structured nutrition & activity programs
• Earlier screening and chronic-care follow-up
• Policies to ensure access doesn’t favor only the wealthy
Why it matters for GI:
Obesity is a major driver of NAFLD/NASH, colorectal cancer risk, GERD complications, and bariatric referrals — shifting treatment standards will reshape GI practice.