Obesity Increases, This Is The WHO Dam In The Use Of GLP-1

Illustration of obesity. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Obesity is currently still a global health problem, especially since cases are increasing. The World Health Organization (WHO) says obesity affects more than one billion people worldwide.

This number includes 3.7 million deaths related to obesity in 2024. WHO warns that this number can double by 2030 if no major changes are made.

"Reporting that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and life-long care," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, quoted from USA Today, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

One way that can be done to overcome obesity is by using the drug GLP-1 or Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, which is a natural hormone produced in the small intestine after eating.

This drug works in a way like a natural hormone, namely by helping the body produce insulin, reducing the production of sugar by the liver, to suppress appetite. This is good for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

In September 2025, GLP-1 therapy was included in the Essential Medicine List (EML) for the management of type 2 diabetes in high risk groups. Now, in the new guidelines, WHO has issued two major recommendations regarding the use of GLP-1 for obesity therapy, as follows.

1. GLP-1 can be used for long therapy of obesity (with conditions)

GLP-1 is effective, proven to help weight loss and metabolic repair. However, the recommendations are conditional because long-term data is still limited, the cost of therapy is still expensive, the readiness of the health system is not evenly distributed, and the potential for inequality of access.

2. GLP-1 should be combined with intensive lifestyle interventions

Using GLP-1 alone is not enough to deal with obesity. The approach includes a healthy diet, structured physical activity, and support for health workers is also needed.

The evidence suggests that the combination can increase the outcome of therapy, although with a low level of certainty.

In addition, WHO also emphasized that GLP-1 is not a single solution to overcome obesity. There are other three-pillar strategies that must continue to be carried out as follows.

- Creating a healthier environment, related to food policies, nutrition education, ultraprocess food regulations, and access to physical activity spaces.- Protect high-risk groups, through screening, education, and early intervention.- Provides live and individual-centered health services.