Conditional recommendations are issued by organizations when there is uncertainty about whether the positive outcomes of a recommendation outweigh the negative ones.

“Although medication alone cannot resolve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies offer a promising solution for millions struggling with obesity, potentially reducing its harmful effects,” he stated.

Associate Professor Garron Dodd, who leads the Metabolic Neuroscience Research Laboratory at the University of Melbourne, described the guideline as “historic” in an interview with SBS News. This marks the first instance where the WHO has acknowledged obesity as a chronic disease that needs lifelong management, rather than viewing it merely as a shortcoming of personal willpower.

The data indicate a tenfold increase from May 2020 to April 2025. However, these figures may underestimate the situation, as additional GLP-1 medications not covered in the report might exist.

In Australia, approximately one in four children aged two to 17 are classified as overweight or obese, with about 31 percent of adults falling into the obese category.

In Australia, one in four children aged two to 17 are considered overweight or obese and around 31 per cent of adults are obese.

‘Not a silver bullet’

Dodd said the next wave of drug development is focusing on trying to target the underlying mechanisms of obesity and diabetes.

“It’s diet and the quality of the diet and the frequency of it. It’s physical activity, it’s reduction of stress and it’s also being able to breathe fresh air — which means not smoking but also having non-polluted cities,” she said.

WHO has outlined three pillars of addressing the causes of obesity, including creating healthier environments, protecting high-risk individuals and ensuring access to lifelong, person-centred care.

‘Limited’ long-term data

While the WHO guideline said GLP-1 therapies can be used by adults for long-term treatment of obesity, it also acknowledged there is “limited data” on long-term efficacy and safety of these medications.

This week, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) updated its product warnings for GLP-1 drugs to include potential risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviours, following investigations by the TGA and international regulators.

‘Costly’ medication

Eli Lilly, manufacturer of tirzepatide products marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound, was valued at $1.5 trillion last week, making it the first drugmaker to enter an exclusive club dominated by tech giants.

Dodd believes the GLP-1 drugs are likely to become cheaper in coming years.