What the Experts Say About Treating Obesity: GLP-1 Guidelines
Obesity is now recognised as a chronic, relapsing disease, not a failure of willpower. [1]
Around the world, health organisations are adapting their strategies. That includes updated guidelines for treating obesity and weigh loss using the medicine class called GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Zepbounbd and Mounjaro. But guidelines vary.
If you are starting a GLP-1 treatment, it is important to follow the advice of your doctor or specialist, who can guide you based on your personal health.
That said, it is helpful and empowering to understand what different leading medical organizations recommend.
GLP-1s and Obesity: What the Guidelines Cover
All medical guidelines now include GLP-1s as part of a multidisciplinary obesity care plan, especially for people who:
- Have a BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidities (like diabetes or hypertension).
- Have not achieved sufficient weight loss through lifestyle alone.
- May benefit from long-term medication as part of chronic disease management. [2]
Nearly all major guidelines also emphasise that weight loss is not a short-term goal, but a lifelong health journey that may require medications, nutrition support, psychological care, and behavior change. [3]
Obesity Factsheets and Guidelines
| Organization | Region | GLP-1 Guidance and Comments | Link |
| WHO – World Health Organization | Global | Recognises obesity as a chronic disease; advocates for the inclusion of AOMs (anti-obesity medications) in essential drug lists | WHO Obesity Factsheet |
| World Obesity Federation | Global | Two-thirds of countries worldwide have none or just one of five key policies in place to address obesity. The world is failing to meet targets to halt the rise in obesity and diabetes and reduce deaths from non-communicable diseases | World Obesity Atlas |
| ADA – American Diabetes Association | USA | GLP-1 RAs recommended for individuals with BMI ≥27 + comorbidities or BMI ≥30; long-term use supported | ADA Standards 2025 |
| EASD – European Association for the Study of Diabetes | Europe | A consensus statement on management of type 2 diabetes. Strong endorsement of GLP-1 RAs for patients with diabetes and obesity; favours early intervention | EASD ADA Recommendations for type 2 diabetes |
| EASO – European Society of Obesity | Europe | Recommends pharmacotherapy (incl. GLP-1s) for BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with complications; stresses a long-term approach | EASO Guidelines |
| Obesity Canada | Canada | Medical treatment (including GLP-1s) endorsed for BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with health conditions; prioritises individualised care | Obesity Canada Guidelines |
| NICE – UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence | UK | Semaglutide (Wegovy) approved for BMI ≥35 or ≥30 with comorbidities; limited to 2-year use under specialist supervision | NICE Guidance TA875 |
Key Takeaways from the Guidelines:
- Lifestyle first, medication second: All guidelines agree that diet, exercise, and behavior change form the foundation.
- GLP-1s are for the right patients: These are not cosmetic tools, but medications for individuals with clinically significant obesity and/or metabolic risk.
- Long-term use is encouraged: Guidelines stress that stopping too early can lead to weight regain.
- Multidisciplinary care is best: Combining medication with dietitian support, physical activity, and counseling leads to better outcomes.
What Should You Do?
Every person’s weight loss journey is unique.
Your doctor, obesity specialist and care team will assess your:
- Weight, BMI and medical history.
- Existing health conditions (e.g. diabetes, hypertension).
- Medication tolerance.
- Support needs and treatment goals.
So while international guidelines help shape care, your personal plan should be focused on you.
Where Forte80™ Fits In
If you are starting GLP-1 therapy, you will want to make sure your gut stays supported.
Forte80™ is designed for:
- Easing digestive side effects from GLP-1s (like constipation, nausea, vomitting and bloating).
- Helping you stay consistent with your treatment.
- Supporting a healthy microbiome as your eating patterns shift.
You do not need to do it alone. With the right guidance and daily support, weight loss becomes less of a struggle and more of a supported success.
Final Word: Let Guidelines Guide - But Let Your Body Lead
It is reassuring to know that medical organisations around the world are finally treating obesity as the complex condition it is.
You deserve a treatment plan that is based on science, guided by your doctor, and supported by products that work with your body, not against it.
Learn more about Forte80™
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