Obesity affects people in every country. World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher in adults. Obesity is a complex, chronic disease and a major driver of noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer. It also contributes to poorer outcomes of patients who have infectious diseases. Beyond its health impacts, the global economic cost of obesity is predicted to reach US$ 3 trillion annually by 2030. About GLP-1 therapies for obesity GLP-1 therapies (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are a class of medications that mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. They were originally used for managing type 2 diabetes, but are now also approved for treating obesity and weight loss. Some GLP-1 drugs lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, and reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes, kidney and liver disease among other outcomes. How do GLP-1 therapies work? GLP-1 medicines stimulate insulin release when blood sugar is high and reduce glucagon secretion, helping lower blood glucose levels. They slow down the process of food digestion and increase feelings of fullness, leading to a reduction in food intake. When should people consider taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss? GLP-1 therapies are not for everyone. They should only be prescribed by a medical practitioner, after taking into account individual health history and clinical indications. Based on current WHO recommendations, GLP-1 medicines may be used as a long-term treatment option for adults with obesity (body mass index ≥30). The guideline does not cover the use of GLP-1 therapies in pregnant women as these medications have not been tested in this population. How effective are GLP-1 therapies for weight loss? GPL-1 therapies are efficacious for reducing weight. Most people taking them lose at least 5% of their body weight. However, for better results they should be associated with structured behavioral interventions that incorporate both a healthy diet and physical activity. WHO guidelies related to GLP-1 In September 2025, World Health Organisation added Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies to its Essential Medicines List for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups. To address the growing global health challenge of obesity, which affects more than 1 billion people, the World Health Organization (WHO) released its first guideline during December 2025 on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for treating obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease. With the guideline, WHO issues conditional recommendations for using these therapies to support people living with obesity in overcoming this serious health challenge, as part of a comprehensive approach that includes healthy diets, regular physical activity and support from health professionals. The WHO guidance contains two key conditional recommendations: GLP-1 therapies may be used by adults, but excluding pregnant women, for the long-term treatment of obesity. While the efficacy of these therapies in treating obesity and improving metabolic and other outcomes was evident, the recommendation is conditional due to limited data on their long-term efficacy and safety, maintenance and discontinuation, their current costs, inadequate health-system preparedness, and potential equity implications. Intensive behavioural interventions, including structured interventions involving healthy diet and physical activity, may be offered to adults living with obesity prescribed GLP-1 therapies. This is based on low-certainty evidence suggesting it may enhance treatment outcomes. The guideline emphasizes the importance of fair access to GLP-1 therapies and preparing health systems for use of these medicines. For more details, visit WHO guidelines on use of GLP-1 for treatment of obesity in adults Regulation of GLP-1 in India During 2026, with the introduction of multiple generic variants of GLP-1-based weight loss drugs in the Indian market, concerns have emerged regarding their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics. These drugs, when used without proper medical supervision, may lead to serious adverse effects and related health risks. Taking cognizance of the situation, India’s Drugs Controller, in collaboration with State Regulators, has initiated a series of targeted actions to curb possible malpractices across the pharmaceutical supply chain and prevent unauthorized sales and use. In order to ensure ethical pharmaceutical practices in the supply chain of Weight Loss Drug (GLP-1), the Drugs Controller of India has intensified its regulatory surveillance against the drug’s unauthorized sale and promotion. On March 10, 2026, a comprehensive advisory was issued to all manufacturers, explicitly prohibiting surrogate advertisements and any form of indirect promotion that could mislead consumers or encourage off-label usage. Audits and inspections are being conducted at various entities, including: Online pharmacy warehouses, Drug wholesalers, Retailers, Wellness and slimming clinics. These inspections spanned multiple regions across the country and focused on identifying violations related to unauthorized sale, improper prescription practices, and misleading marketing. Further, notices have also been sent to defaulting entities. The Regulator emphasizes that patient safety remains paramount. The misuse of weight loss drugs without clinical oversight can lead to severe health complications. Citizens are advised to use such medications only under the guidance of qualified medical practitioners. It is important to reiterate here that the drug has been approved in India with condition of prescription by Endocrinologists and Internal Medicine Specialist and for some indications by Cardiologists only. Regulatory surveillance will continue to be intensified in the coming weeks and non-compliances will be dealt strictly with actions including cancellation of licenses, penalties, and prosecution under applicable laws.