WHO: Injection for weight loss is not a solution to the global obesity crisis

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a cautionary statement regarding weight loss injections, emphasizing that they alone are insufficient to address the global obesity crisis. "Medication by itself cannot resolve the obesity epidemic," stated WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Geneva on Monday.

The WHO has authorized the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists but urges that reliance solely on these drugs is not advisable. Current guidelines reference active compounds such as liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, which are present in medications like Saxenda, Wegovy, and Mounjaro designed to manage obesity.

According to WHO recommendations, these substances may be prescribed for adults but are not suitable for pregnant women. The organization stresses that any medical intervention should be complemented by a balanced lifestyle. "Importantly, GLP-1 therapies do not replace the necessity of healthy eating and regular physical activity," Tedros added.

Obesity is identified as a critical global health challenge, affecting over a billion individuals and contributing to other serious conditions, including diabetes and cancer. Projections indicate that this number could double by 2030.

Tedros also emphasized the need to ensure that economically disadvantaged populations and nations have access to affordable GLP-1 receptor agonists. Originally developed to treat diabetes, these drugs have demonstrated effectiveness in weight management by suppressing appetite and enhancing satiety signals between the gut and brain.

Nonetheless, uncertainties remain regarding the long-term safety and effects of these treatments. According to the WHO, the relatively short duration of their clinical use makes it difficult to fully assess potential long-term impacts.

Author: Sophia Brooks