WHO issues guidelines for using novel weight loss drugs to combat obesity: ‘Chronic disease requiring lifetime care, wider access to drugs needed’ | Health and Wellness News
With the new class of GLP-1 medicines leading to effective weight loss, the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday released its first guidelines on their use to combat the obesity crisis. The agency recommended long-term use of these medicines for obesity but added that those prescribed these medicines should also undergo intensive behavioural therapy as part of a multi-pronged approach to treating obesity. The guidelines refer to obesity as “a chronic disease requiring lifetime care.” It goes on to say that comprehensive treatment for obesity should include screening, early diagnosis and management of obesity-related complications and co-morbidities with pharmaceuticals, surgeries and other treatment options. “Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care. While medication alone won’t solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. There are currently one billion people living with obesity across the world, including 188 million school-aged children and adolescents. If nothing is done to …
