JAMA Medical News Understanding the World Health Organization's GLP-1 Guidelines
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Jan 9, 2026 Join Kate Schweitzer, Associate Managing Editor at JAMA Medical News, as she unpacks the WHO's new GLP-1 guidelines for obesity treatment. She discusses the urgent need for these recommendations in light of rising obesity rates and the importance of viewing obesity as a chronic disease. Kate emphasizes that GLP-1 medications are not standalone solutions; they should be integrated with comprehensive care and behavioral support. With equity and access at the forefront, she highlights the potential of an oral GLP-1 pill to revolutionize treatment accessibility.
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Expert Links Trend Shift To GLP-1 Use
- One expert observed that obesity rates have steadily risen for decades until recently in the U.S.
- She linked the recent shift to increased use of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Obesity As A Chronic Medical Condition
- WHO frames obesity as a complex, relapsing, chronic disease akin to hypertension or diabetes.
- This framing highlights biological and genetic roots and aims to reduce stigma around excess weight.
GLP-1s May Be Changing Population Trends
- Changing population obesity trends in the U.S. coincided with increased GLP-1 receptor agonist use.
- Experts view this drug class as potentially transformative for bending obesity's long-term upward trend.