WHO Set to Endorse Popular Weight Loss Drugs, Including Zepbound and Wegovy

The World Health Organization (WHO) is reportedly set to endorse the use of GLP-1 weight loss medicines, including Zepbound and Wegovy. This marks the first time the WHO has backed drugs to treat obesity. The endorsement is expected to increase the availability and accessibility of these weight loss treatments globally.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is reportedly set to endorse the use of GLP-1 weight loss medicines, including Zepbound and Wegovy. This marks the first time the WHO has backed drugs to treat obesity. The endorsement is expected to increase the availability and accessibility of these weight loss treatments globally.

The WHO's decision comes amid growing concerns about the global obesity epidemic, which affects over a billion people, with approximately 70 percent residing in low- and middle-income countries [1]. The new approach aims to address this disparity and provide more equitable access to effective treatments.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound, mimic a naturally occurring hormone that regulates digestion and promotes feelings of fullness, leading to significant weight loss. Clinical trials have shown these drugs can help individuals lose 15 percent to 20 percent of their body weight. However, the cost of these drugs remains a significant barrier to widespread use, with monthly costs exceeding £750 (US$1,000) [1].

The WHO's conditional recommendation is set to be officially released in August as part of new guidelines on treating obesity. The agency also plans to include these drugs in its essential medicines list, which could help make them more widely available in poorer countries [1]. The WHO has expressed concerns over the cost of the drugs and calls for longer-term studies on cost-effectiveness "across all settings, including LMICs" [1].

The endorsement is expected to have a significant impact on the market for these drugs. Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound, reported a 45 percent year-over-year jump in first-quarter revenue, driven by surging demand for its GLP-1 drugs [3]. However, the company's shares fell as much as 7.7% at the open on Thursday after the drugmaker cut its 2025 profit forecast, overshadowing the booming sales of its weight-loss drugs [3].

The WHO's decision to endorse these drugs is a significant step in the fight against obesity, but it also raises important questions about the cost and long-term effectiveness of these treatments. As the market for these drugs continues to grow, it will be crucial for companies and policymakers to address these challenges and ensure that these treatments are accessible to those who need them most.

References:
[1] https://www.the-independent.com/health-and-wellbeing/weight-loss-jabs-wegovy-who-obesity-b2743115.html
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4439257-who-set-back-use-weight-loss-drugs-such-zepbound-wegovy
[3] https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1070544/eli-lilly-shares-slide-despite-weight-loss-drug-boost-as-company-trims-2025-profit-outlook-1070544.html