The World Health Organization’s recent addition of semaglutide to its list of essential medicines signals a shift in how the global health body views obesity – as a chronic condition warranting medical intervention. While the move is expected to spur wider insurance coverage for the drug, experts caution against viewing semaglutide as a speedy fix, emphasizing the importance of medical supervision and extensive lifestyle changes for successful and sustainable weight management.this report examines the implications of the WHO’s decision and the critical considerations for patients and healthcare providers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has added semaglutide to its list of essential medicines for obesity treatment, a move that is likely to increase pressure on health insurance providers to expand coverage. This decision reflects a growing global recognition of obesity as a serious chronic health condition requiring medical intervention.
However, registered dietitian Gisela Manucci (MP N° 1.116) cautions against rushing into widespread use, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach. “Semaglutide is not for every patient and should only be used under medical supervision,” she says.
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Speaking to AIRE, Manucci explained that current evidence supporting the use of semaglutide comes from studies conducted on individuals with severe obesity, including those with metabolic comorbidities such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. There are currently no studies evaluating the drug’s effectiveness in people simply looking to lose a small amount of weight.
“That is not the correct use,” Manucci stated firmly when asked about the drug’s efficacy for general weight loss. She also pointed to a dual problem: a culture that continues to seek quick fixes, and healthcare professionals prescribing the medication without adequate clinical justification.
The Other Side of the ‘Ideal Weight’ Drug
Potential side effects are a significant consideration. The most common adverse effects involve the gastrointestinal system, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Headaches or migraines can also occur. More serious, though less frequent, side effects include pancreatitis and kidney problems. This underscores the specialist’s central point: only a physician can assess whether a person is a suitable candidate for treatment.
Treatment with semaglutide is ongoing as long as the medication is used. Like conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, it’s a chronic treatment. Discontinuing the drug can lead to regaining up to two-thirds of the lost weight, often with an increase in abdominal fat. The cost of the medication can also make continued treatment difficult for many patients. When they are unable to afford it and stop taking it, the rebound weight gain documented by pharmaceutical companies often occurs.
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Old Standards Still Work: Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
Manucci emphasizes a return to foundational health principles. “The old ways work,” she insists. A healthy diet and regular physical activity remain the cornerstone of metabolic treatment. Even while using semaglutide, these habits are crucial to prevent muscle loss instead of fat loss, which can slow metabolism and hinder progress.
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For individuals without obesity or related health conditions who are considering semaglutide, the recommendation is clear: proceed with caution. It’s essential to gather information, consult with a healthcare professional, understand the risks, and recognize that rapid weight loss doesn’t guarantee long-term success. “They will probably lose weight, yes. But they won’t be able to maintain it,” Manucci warns.
She also highlights the importance of addressing eating behaviors. Working with a psychologist is an integral part of the process, as medication alone cannot change habits. In appropriate cases, surgery or endoscopic interventions may be considered, but always within an interdisciplinary framework.
The key takeaway is simple: there are no magic solutions. Weight loss medications, including semaglutide, should be recommended by a healthcare provider and are not suitable for everyone. Reliable information is not found on social media or automated chatbots. “Healthcare decisions are made with professionals,” Manucci concludes. And on that point, she is unwavering: without genuine support and lifestyle changes, no treatment will be effective.
