In 2025, a major global development reshaped the landscape of obesity treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) released a new guideline in December, conditionally supporting the use of GLP-1 medications — particularly semaglutide and tirzepatide — for long-term obesity management.
This decision, reported by Reuters on December 1, 2025, is considered a significant turning point for both clinical practice and public health policies.
WHO’s announcement reaffirmed that obesity is no longer viewed merely as excess weight but as a chronic disease with serious complications. GLP-1 therapies have gained attention as an effective option thanks to their ability to improve metabolic functions; however, WHO emphasized that access to these medications remains limited worldwide.
GLP-1 receptor agonists were originally developed as treatments for type 2 diabetes. Over time, their benefits in appetite regulation, prolonged satiety, and metabolic improvement have made them one of the most promising tools in modern obesity care.
Studies have shown that GLP-1 medications can support:
However, WHO warns that these drugs should not be seen as a standalone miracle solution. GLP-1 therapy becomes significantly more effective when combined with:
In other words, medication is a tool — not the entire solution.
One of the most critical concerns highlighted by WHO is the extremely limited global access to GLP-1 medications. According to international projections, by 2030 only about 10% of individuals who need these drugs will be able to access them. The key reasons include:
For this reason, WHO urges governments and pharmaceutical companies to collaborate on:
Without these efforts, GLP-1 therapies risk becoming accessible only to a small proportion of patients in wealthier countries.
WHO’s emphasis on individualized treatment reinforces a principle that Sante Privee has long prioritized:
This is why Sante Privee integrates both surgical and medical approaches, tailoring each patient’s treatment based on their health profile, medical history, and long-term goals.
Sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide. Approximately 70–80% of the stomach is removed, significantly reducing its capacity. This also lowers ghrelin — the hunger hormone — helping patients feel satisfied with smaller portions.
At Sante Privee, sleeve gastrectomy procedures are performed by experienced bariatric surgeons in fully equipped hospitals.
This is one of the most effective metabolic surgeries, combining restriction and malabsorption mechanisms. The stomach is reduced in size and a new intestinal pathway is created.
Gastric bypass often provides rapid metabolic improvement and substantial weight loss.
For patients who do not prefer surgery or do not qualify for bariatric procedures, the gastric balloon is an ideal alternative. The balloon is placed endoscopically into the stomach, creating volume and helping patients feel full with smaller meals.
Botulinum toxin is applied to the stomach muscles to slow gastric emptying and prolong satiety. It is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure.
Benefits:
Sante Privee frequently recommends gastric botox for patients seeking initial support before moving toward more comprehensive treatment options.
While GLP-1 medications are valuable tools, surgery remains the most effective long-term solution for many patients with severe obesity. Conversely, some individuals may not need surgery at all and can achieve substantial results with medical therapy.
At Sante Privee, each patient undergoes a thorough evaluation that includes:
This allows the team to recommend the most appropriate and safest treatment tailored to the patient’s physiology.
For Sante Privee, the goal is not just weight loss —
but a healthier, safer, and more sustainable long-term quality of life.
Conclusion: WHO’s Decision Expands Treatment Options, but the Best Path Remains Individual
WHO’s endorsement of GLP-1 therapies marks a major milestone in global obesity care. Scientific evidence now supports a broader range of treatment options, including both medical and surgical approaches. However, the most effective method still depends entirely on the patient’s individual needs.
Sante Privee continues to follow global guidelines closely, offering patients:
Determining the right treatment is a collaborative decision — one that prioritizes safety, effectiveness, and long-term results.
Obesity is a chronic disease, but with the right team and the right plan, it can be managed successfully and sustainably.
