The World Health Organization (WHO) recently added some key weight loss medications to its 2025 Essential Medicines List (EML) . This move represents both a significant warning and a solution to the global health community’s concern about obesity and its associated diseases. The most prominent of these medications are semaglutide and tirzepatide , commonly known as Ozempic and Mounjaro.
What is the WHO list of essential medicines?
The WHO List of Essential Medicines is a list of the most effective and safe medicines needed by countries around the world . Its purpose is to ensure that these medicines are available in all countries and receive priority in health systems.
Medicines on this list are selected based on their clinical importance, safety, and cost-effectiveness . When a medicine is included on this list, it indicates that it should be adopted according to global health standards.
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide – What are these medicines?
1. Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist drug that acts in the stomach to reduce appetite and control food intake. This drug has been shown to be effective in both type 2 diabetes and obesity.
- Brand Names: Ozempic, Wegovy
- key benefits:
- Losing weight
- Blood sugar control
- Reducing the risk of heart diseases
2. Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a newer drug that targets both GLP-1 and GIP hormones. This drug not only helps with weight loss but also improves insulin sensitivity.
- Brand Name: Mounjaro
- key benefits:
- Reduction in obesity
- Beneficial for type 2 diabetes patients
- Improves heart health
Significance of WHO’s inclusion of these medicines in the list
- Global health perspective
Obesity is no longer just a lifestyle problem, but a serious, progressive, and relapsing disease . WHO has recognized it as a global health crisis. - Increasing access to medicines:
Inclusion on the WHO list signals to countries that they should incorporate these medicines into public health programs . This could increase access to these medicines in developing countries. - High cost and generic alternatives
The price of these drugs remains quite high. The WHO recommends promoting the production of generic drugs .
Potential impact in India
The prevalence of obesity and related diseases is rapidly increasing in India. Following this recommendation from the WHO:
- The availability of these medicines may increase .
- Effective treatment of health problems related to obesity and diabetes may be possible.
- Changes in health policies may lead to lower health risks in the long run .
Benefits of drugs against obesity
Effects on physical health
- The risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke is reduced.
- Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are controlled.
- The weight pressure on the joints is reduced.
- Effects on mental health
- Weight loss can improve self-esteem and mental health .
- Reduces the social and mental challenges associated with obesity.
Opinion of experts
Doctors and researchers believe these medications offer an opportunity to recognize obesity as a medical condition, not just a solution to diet and exercise. However, these medications are not a stand-alone solution . They must be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, and regular exercise .
Conclusion : The WHO’s inclusion of popular weight loss drugs on the Essential Medicines List is a major step forward. This will not only help treat obesity and its associated diseases, but will also galvanize the global health community to take positive action to address this serious problem .
Increasing the availability of these medications in India and other countries around the world could improve the lives of millions of people . Furthermore, this initiative helps recognize obesity as a serious, therapeutic, and progressive disease , not just a lifestyle problem.
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