World Health Organization (WHO) Issues First Guideline on GLP-1 Weight-Loss Medicines, Recognizes Obesity as Chronic Disease

Exam-focused facts from the 3 December 2025 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

WHO issued its first guideline on GLP-1 therapies including liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Obesity affects more than one billion people worldwide and was linked to 3.7 million deaths in 2024.
WHO recognizes obesity as a chronic disease requiring comprehensive and lifelong care.
GLP-1 therapies mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite, blood sugar and digestion.
WHO recommends conditional long-term use of GLP-1 therapies for adults living with obesity, except during pregnancy.
WHO added GLP-1 therapies to its Essential Medicines List in 2025 for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups.