On December 1st, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially issued global guidelines recommending the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of obesity — a historic step that could redefine how the world approaches one of the biggest public health crises of our time.
For the first time, the WHO not only reaffirmed that obesity is a chronic disease, but also explicitly validated the use of GLP-1 medications as a therapeutic solution for adults with a BMI of 30 or more.
This move will ripple across healthcare systems, policy makers, insurers, and clinical guidelines worldwide.
GLP-1s: A New Pillar in Chronic Disease Management
GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) have shown unprecedented efficacy in reducing weight and improving metabolic markers, offering a real alternative to bariatric surgery for many patients.
The WHO now recommends their use:
- As first-line therapy for people living with obesity (BMI ≥30)
- Regardless of whether diabetes is present
- Under medical supervision, as part of a long-term treatment plan
This confirmation from the highest global authority is a major validation of the role these medications will play in tackling noncommunicable diseases linked to obesity — from cardiovascular disease to certain cancers.
But Medication Alone Is Not Enough
Importantly, the WHO guidelines stress that pharmacological treatment should not stand alone. Medications like GLP-1s must be combined with behavioral, nutritional, and psychological support to deliver meaningful, lasting impact.
From the report:
“Use of pharmacological treatment should be accompanied by behavioral interventions that include nutrition, physical activity, and psychological support to achieve the most beneficial outcomes.”
This is a critical point.
As more countries begin to reimburse these therapies — including Medicaid in the U.S., as recently seen with New York State — systems will need scalable solutions to provide this necessary support and follow-up care.
This Is Where Boli Care Comes In
Boli Care was built for this exact shift in the global obesity landscape.
We are designing the first digital therapeutic companion for patients on GLP-1 treatment — focused on:
- Helping patients manage side effects
- Supporting long-term adherence and lifestyle change
- Enabling doctors to monitor progress remotely
- Generating real-world evidence for payers and regulators
Boli Care is fully automated, multilingual, and regulation-ready. And unlike coaching startups or generic health apps, we are building a digital solution that meets medical-grade standards — with a radically efficient, agentic AI-powered organization behind it.
Our goal is clear: turn metabolic breakthroughs into real-life outcomes.
A Turning Point for Global Health
The WHO guidelines mark more than a regulatory milestone — they confirm a profound medical truth: obesity is not a failure of willpower, but a treatable condition.
GLP-1 medications are one tool in that treatment. Digital support, like Boli, is another.
Together, they represent the future of obesity care — evidence-based, compassionate, and designed to last.
🔗 WHO Guideline: Access the full guideline here
🌍 Boli Care: From GLP-1 support to sustainable metabolic health.
📅 Launching early 2026 – in English, Spanish, and French.
