A revolution in obesity treatment? WHO backs weight-loss drugs and calls for affordable generics
The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken a groundbreaking step that could reshape the future of obesity treatment and access to modern medicines worldwide. For the first time, it has added weight-loss drugs – specifically semaglutide and tirzepatide – to its official List of Essential Medicines for adults. This list is a crucial reference for governments and health ministries when shaping national drug programs, and inclusion strongly influences which treatments become widely accessible and reimbursed.
By endorsing these medications, WHO has signaled that drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, which in recent years have become a global phenomenon in the fight against obesity, are not just optional aids but potentially life-saving therapies. These drugs belong to the class known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes because they regulate blood sugar levels, they were later found to have a powerful effect on weight management by suppressing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and enabling patients to achieve substantial weight loss.
The context is sobering. Obesity rates have surged worldwide. In 2022, more than one billion people were estimated to be overweight or obese. Weight-related diseases now claim millions of lives every year – in 2021, they caused over 3.7 million deaths, a figure higher than the combined toll of tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria. That makes obesity one of the most urgent health challenges of our time.
The main barrier remains price. In the United States, monthly treatment with these drugs can cost around $1,000, while in Europe – including countries like the Czech Republic – prices amount to hundreds of euros per month. This makes long-term treatment unaffordable for most patients. WHO therefore coupled its decision with a call to pharmaceutical companies and governments to support the production of generic versions that could drastically cut costs. Some health economists estimate that generic semaglutide could be produced for as little as $4 per month.
The timing is significant. In several countries, including Canada, India, and China, patent protection for these drugs is nearing its end. This opens the door for new manufacturers to enter the market with cheaper alternatives. History shows that once generics are introduced, drug prices can fall by tens of percent, making previously exclusive treatments accessible to millions.
Research also suggests that the benefits of GLP-1 agonists extend beyond weight loss. Clinical studies have demonstrated that obese patients with cardiovascular disease see a reduction of more than 40 percent in the risk of hospitalization or premature death when using these medications. They are therefore not only tools for weight management but also vital instruments in preventing life-threatening complications.
By adding these drugs to the essential medicines list, WHO is sending a powerful message: obesity should not be seen merely as a lifestyle issue but as a serious disease requiring modern treatment. And by pressing for generics, the organization highlights the importance of equity in healthcare – ensuring that life-saving medicines are not a luxury for the wealthy few but a resource that can save millions of lives worldwide.
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