WHO Mounjaro and Wegovy: What the Draft Guidelines Mean for the UK
The WHO Mounjaro and Wegovy draft guidance could reshape how obesity is treated worldwide, and especially here in the UK. For the first time, the World Health Organization (WHO) actively recommends weight-loss drugs such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) for adults living with obesity.
Why the WHO Mounjaro and Wegovy guidance matters
For decades, many described obesity as only a lifestyle problem. However, the WHO now firmly classifies it as a chronic, progressive disease that impacts more than 1 billion people across the globe. In the UK, rising obesity rates already put significant strain on the NHS and affect millions of families directly.
By endorsing treatments such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, the WHO highlights a clear shift. Not only must patients consider lifestyle and behaviour changes, but they also deserve access to effective medical treatment when appropriate.
How Mounjaro and Wegovy work in practice
Both medicines belong to a newer class called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They help regulate appetite, improve how the body processes food, and support sustained weight loss:
- Wegovy (semaglutide): Works directly on appetite signals in the brain, helping people feel satisfied sooner and eat less overall.
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Targets two key hormones at once, reducing hunger while also improving how the body manages sugar and fat.
Although first developed for type 2 diabetes, both medicines have delivered impressive weight-loss results in large clinical trials.
Who qualifies under the guidelines?
The WHO Mounjaro and Wegovy draft recommendations state that these medicines should be prescribed to adults with a BMI of 30. Or higher. Importantly, they note patients should use these medicines alongside lifestyle and behaviour support. This combined approach actively encourages long-term change.
By contrast, some countries, such as the United Kingdom, already allow prescribing at a BMI of 30 or 27 if combined with another weight-related condition, including high blood pressure or sleep apnoea. For now, the WHO remains more restrictive in its global advice.
WHO guidance: Impact on the UK
In the UK, NHS specialist weight-management services already provide Wegovy, although limited supply continues to restrict access. At the same time, regulators have approved Mounjaro for obesity, and the NHS is actively rolling it out for eligible patients with higher clinical need.
As a result, the WHO Mounjaro and Wegovy guidance could increase pressure on both the NHS and private providers to widen access. Nevertheless, ongoing cost issues and stock shortages remain major challenges. Furthermore, while the WHO supports their use, it has not yet added these medicines to its global “essential medicines list” for obesity, though both are listed for type 2 diabetes.
Challenges with WHO Mounjaro and Wegovy rollout
Even with WHO approval, several barriers remain clear:
- Cost: High prices restrict widespread access, both in the UK and globally.
- Supply: Demand continues to outpace production, leading to shortages.
- Equity: The WHO warns that low and middle-income countries may struggle most to secure access to these treatments.
Final thoughts:
The WHO Mounjaro and Wegovy draft guidance represents a clear step towards recognising obesity as a medical condition requiring structured treatment rather than personal blame. For patients in the UK, this recognition could unlock more support and broader access. However, ensuring these medicines become widely available, fairly distributed, and affordable will remain the ultimate challenge moving forward.
