Archive · 3 Dec 2025
WHO Calls Obesity a Chronic Disease
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines saying that obesity is a serious, long-term disease.
They recommend using special medicines called GLP-1 drugs to help people with obesity, along with eating healthy, exercising, and talking to doctors.
The WHO says that if we don't take action, the number of people dying from obesity could double by 2030.
However, there are some concerns about these medicines.
The Australian drug regulator has warned that these medicines might cause mental health problems like depression or suicidal thoughts.
The WHO says that while these medicines can help, they are not a magic solution and need to be part of a bigger plan to stay healthy.
WHO issued guidelines on the global use of GLP-1 medicines for treating obesity as a chronic disease.
Obesity is a global health challenge with 3.7 million deaths in 2024, potentially doubling by 2030 if no action is taken.
GLP-1 drugs are recommended as part of a comprehensive approach, including healthy diet, physical activity, and consultation with health professionals.
WHO recommends GLP-1 drugs for adults, except pregnant women, to treat long-term obesity, but with caution due to limited data on long-term side effects.
Australian regulator TGA issued a warning about mental health risks associated with GLP-1 drugs, advising doctors to monitor patients for depression and suicidal thoughts.
- Who
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- What
- Issued guidelines on the use of GLP-1 medicines for treating obesity as a chronic disease
- When
- Guidelines published on 1 December
- Where
- Global
- Why
- To address the serious health challenge of obesity and its associated harms
- Organization
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Guidelines Focus
- Global use of GLP-1 medicines for obesity
- Obesity Deaths in 2024
- 3.7 million
- Projected Deaths by 2030
- Potential to double if no action is taken
- Recommended Treatments
- GLP-1 drugs, healthy diet, physical activity, and consultation with health professionals
- Mental Health Warning
- Issued by Australian regulator TGA for GLP-1 drugs
- Mental Health Risks
- Potential for depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual changes in mood or behavior