The global obesity epidemic has reached alarming levels, with its prevalence more than doubling over the past thirty years. This surge has led to a rise in related health issues, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide. A recent study, co-led by researchers from Mass General Brigham, suggests that GLP-1 medications could be a pivotal part of the solution.
In collaboration with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, the researchers analyzed data from 99 countries, encompassing 810,635 adults. Their findings indicate that more than one in four adults globally could benefit from GLP-1 medications for weight management. The study highlights that women, older individuals, and residents of low- and middle-income countries are among the most eligible groups. These insights, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, could guide policy development for the global deployment of GLP-1s to combat obesity and its associated health issues.
Understanding the Impact of GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as a promising tool in addressing obesity and its complications. Dr. Jennifer Manne-Goehler, co-senior author and physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, emphasized the transformative potential of these medications. “For so many decades, we told everyone the problem was you—you need to move more and eat less,” she explained. “GLP-1 receptor agonists have allowed us to understand that biology is much more powerful than that.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the potential of GLP-1s and is working to make them widely accessible. However, the challenge remains to determine the exact number of people who need these medications and to ensure equitable access across different regions.
Eligibility and Global Disparities
According to the study, 27% of adults worldwide are eligible for GLP-1s for weight management. Notably, four-fifths of these individuals are from low- and middle-income countries. The highest eligibility rates were observed in Europe and North America (42.8%) and the Pacific Islands (41.0%). Women and older adults also showed higher eligibility rates compared to their male and younger counterparts.
“These socioeconomic and gender eligibility percentiles are especially staggering,” noted Manne-Goehler. “In regions like South Africa, where type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of death for women, the implementation of these medicines could be life-changing.”
“Global access to GLP-1s is a question of health equity,” said Dr. Felix Teufel from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. “The goal is to ensure large-scale access for people who would benefit most—not just those easiest to reach.”
Research Methodology and Findings
The researchers utilized household health survey data collected between 2008 and 2021. They assessed adults aged 25 to 64 based on diabetes biomarkers, blood pressure, BMI measurements, and diagnostic histories. Individuals with a BMI over 30, or a BMI over 27 with additional conditions like hypertension or diabetes, were deemed eligible for GLP-1 use.
Dr. Sang Gune K. Yoo, corresponding author and cardiology research fellow, remarked on the findings: “Given the steadily increasing prevalence of obesity, it’s not surprising that our analysis found that more than one quarter of adults around the world may be eligible for this medication.”
“This medication has the potential to help many individuals, although further research is needed to better understand its long-term safety and sustainability,” Yoo added. “Access remains a major challenge as these medications are difficult to obtain in many settings.”
Future Directions and Challenges
The study underscores the need for continued investment in non-pharmacological strategies for obesity prevention and treatment. Despite the promise of GLP-1s, substantial gaps remain in these areas. The researchers advocate for a balanced approach, combining medication with lifestyle interventions to effectively tackle the obesity crisis.
As the world grapples with the rising tide of obesity, the insights from this study could inform strategic programs and policies. Ensuring equitable access to GLP-1s and other interventions will be crucial in addressing this global health challenge.
The research, authored by a diverse team including Jennifer Manne-Goehler, Sang Gune K Yoo, and Felix Teufel, among others, highlights the collaborative effort required to combat obesity on a global scale. The study was supported by various grants and organizations, underscoring the importance of continued research and development in this field.
As the conversation around obesity and its management evolves, the findings from this study could serve as a catalyst for change, guiding future initiatives and policies aimed at improving global health outcomes.
