WHO Adds Popular Weight-Loss and Diabetes Drugs to Essential Medicines List

September 6, 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) has for the first time recommended a new generation of weight-loss and diabetes treatments for global use, highlighting the urgent need to make them affordable and accessible worldwide.

The medications — known as GLP-1 agonists — include well-known brands such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These injectable drugs have gained rapid popularity due to their ability to help patients with significant weight reduction while also managing diabetes.

🌍 Why It Matters

According to WHO data, more than 3.7 million people died from obesity-related illnesses in 2021 — a number higher than deaths from malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV combined.

Despite their effectiveness, GLP-1 treatments currently cost over $1,000 per month in the United States, raising concerns that people in lower-income countries may be unable to benefit.

📌 WHO’s Recommendation

On Friday, the WHO officially added semaglutide (used in Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (used in Mounjaro) to its Essential Medicines List for adults.

The agency said these drugs should be made widely available and encouraged generic competition to reduce prices. According to a statement, this could make the medications life-saving for millions by addressing both diabetes and obesity.

💡 The Potential for Affordable Generics

Pharmacology researcher Andrew Hill from Liverpool University noted that generic semaglutide could potentially be mass produced in countries like India for as little as $4 per month.

The patent for semaglutide is set to expire in some markets — including Canada, India, and China — in 2026, opening the door for broader production of lower-cost versions.

⚕️ Beyond Diabetes and Weight Loss

Although originally developed for diabetes management, GLP-1 drugs are now being studied for a range of health benefits. A recent JAMA medical journal study found that patients with heart disease who took these drugs had a 40% lower risk of hospitalization or early death.

Other research suggests they could even play a role in addressing conditions such as addiction.

📊 Global Health Context

1 in 8 people worldwide are obese.
More than 800 million people were living with diabetes in 2022.
WHO also added several cancer medicines to its essential list this year.

✅ The Bottom Line

By including GLP-1 treatments in its Essential Medicines List, the WHO is sending a strong signal: these drugs should not remain luxury products but become accessible tools for improving global health. The push for affordable generics could dramatically change treatment options for millions worldwide.