Health
GLP-1 drugs may reach fewer than one in 10 people who need them, experts predict
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced its official guidance on the use of GLP-1 drugs for treating obesity.
GLP-1 drugs are medications that mimic the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which are most commonly used for type 2 diabetes and medical weight loss.
The first guideline, released on Dec. 1, aims to address the “growing global health challenge of obesity,” WHO wrote in a press release.
WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS COULD ADD YEARS TO AMERICANS’ LIVES, RESEARCHERS PROJECT
Obesity affects more than one billion people globally and was associated with 3.7 million deaths. The number of people with obesity is expected to double by 2030.
While GLP-1 medications were added to the WHO’s Essential Medicines List for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk groups in September 2025, the new guideline adds two key “conditional recommendations” for people with obesity.
The World Health Organization has announced its official guidance on the use of GLP-1 drugs for treating obesity. (Reuters/Denis Balibouse/File Photo)
“GLP-1 therapies may be used by adults, but excluding pregnant women, for the long-term treatment of obesity,” the first condition states.
“While the efficacy of these therapies in treating obesity and improving metabolic and other outcomes was evident, the recommendation is conditional due to limited data on their long-term efficacy and safety, maintenance and discontinuation, their current costs, inadequate health-system preparedness and potential equity implications.”
“Our new guidance recognizes that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care.”
The second condition allows “intensive behavioral interventions,” including healthy diets, regular physical activity and support from health professionals, to be offered to adults with obesity who are prescribed a GLP-1, as part of a “comprehensive approach.”
The price of health
In addition to the health impacts, the cost of obesity is projected to hit $3 trillion annually by 2030. The WHO’s guideline attempts to reduce “skyrocketing” health costs associated with management of the condition and other complications.
The WHO guideline emphasized the importance of fair access to GLP-1 therapies.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“Without deliberate policies, access to these therapies could exacerbate existing health disparities,” they wrote. “WHO calls for urgent action on manufacturing, affordability and system readiness to meet global needs.”
“GLP-1 therapies may be used by adults, but excluding pregnant women, for the long-term treatment of obesity,” the first condition states. (iStock)
Despite the “rapid expansion” of GLP-1 production, the health agency revealed that by 2030, these therapies are predicted to reach less than 10% of people who could benefit from them.
“The guideline calls on the global community to consider strategies to expand access, such as pooled procurement, tiered pricing and voluntary licensing among others,” WHO stated.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of WHO, wrote in a statement addressing the guideline that obesity is a “major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing by supporting countries and people worldwide to control it, effectively and equitably.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Our new guidance recognizes that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care,” he said. “While medication alone won’t solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms.”
The new WHO guideline offers support for those with obesity by offering behavioral interventions like diet, exercise and access to doctors. (iStock)
The agency added that obesity is a “complex, chronic disease” that is a driver of other illnesses like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
While GLP-1 therapies alone won’t solve the obesity problem, these therapies represent the “first efficacious treatment option for adults,” WHO stated.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
The organization stressed that obesity requires creating healthier environments to promote wellness and prevent obesity, protecting high-risk individuals through screening and early interventions and ensuring lifelong access to healthcare.
Health
Former wrestler, actor reveals breast cancer diagnosis: ‘One in 750 men’
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Former professional wrestler and actor Tyler Mane announced he has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Known for his roles in “X-Men” and “Halloween,” Mane shared the news publicly to help raise awareness about a condition that is frequently overlooked in men.
“I have some bad news. I start chemo today,” Mane stated in a video posted to his social media channels. “One in 750 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and I’m one of them.”
CANCER SURVIVORS SAW MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS IN SLEEP AND WELL-BEING WITH ONE WEEKLY PRACTICE
Because breast cancer is predominantly associated with women, many men are unaware that they are also at risk. However, according to Mayo Clinic, everyone is born with a small amount of breast tissue.
While women go on to develop more of this tissue during puberty, the biological foundation for the disease exists in everyone.
Known for his roles in X-Men and Halloween, Mane shared the news publicly to help raise awareness about a condition that is frequently overlooked in men. (Bobby Bank/Getty Images)
The most common symptom of male breast cancer is a hard, painless lump located directly behind or near the nipple, according to experts. Other signs can include skin dimpling, nipple retraction or discharge.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cases globally. Because routine screenings like mammograms are not standard practice for men, the disease is often caught much later than it is in women.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Mane highlighted this issue as a primary motivation for speaking out. “Because it’s rarely talked about, it’s usually found at later stages and has worse outcomes,” he said. “I want to change that.”
Experts say the most common symptom of male breast cancer is a hard, painless lump located directly behind or near the nipple. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Medical data supports Mane’s concerns regarding late-stage detection. While male breast cancer can occur at any age, it is most frequently diagnosed in older men, according to Mayo Clinic.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Men’s treatment plans generally mirror those for women, typically involving surgery to remove the breast tissue, followed by chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy depending on how far the cancer has progressed.
Treatment plans generally mirror those for women, typically involving surgery to remove the breast tissue, followed by chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy depending on how far the cancer has progressed. (Rune Hellestad/Corbis via Getty Images)
Mane said he is utilizing his platform to normalize conversations about male health and encourage early detection. He concluded his video by asking his followers to spread the word and help educate others.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Follow, like and share, and come along for my journey to kick this thing in the ass,” Mane said. “Send this to 10 of your friends and have them follow me, because people need to hear this.”
Health
New York anchor Bill Ritter announces Alzheimer’s diagnosis during his final Eyewitness News broadcast
Ultra-processed foods linked to dementia risk
Amen Clinics Associate Medical Director Dr. Eboni Cornish joins ‘Fox & Friends First’ to discuss a study revealing a 58% higher dementia risk and 46% increase in cognitive impairment from consuming ultra-processed foods.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter revealed Friday that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, bringing an end to his more than two-decade run behind the WABC-TV anchor desk.
Ritter, 76, who has anchored the station’s 6 p.m. newscast in New York City since 2001, revealed during Friday’s Eyewitness News broadcast that it would be his final night anchoring the program.
“After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s,” Ritter said during the broadcast.
“It’s early-stage Alzheimer’s, and they say the treatments I’m getting are keeping it at bay, for now,” he continued. “But there is no guarantee, because there’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s.”
‘DUCK DYNASTY’ STAR PHIL ROBERTSON DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter announced that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and is stepping away from the WABC-TV anchor desk. (Linda Rosier/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
“So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor,” he added.
According to ABC7, Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998 after an extensive journalism career that included work at the Los Angeles Times, local television stations in California and positions with ABC News.
He began anchoring the station’s 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast in 1999 and was added to the flagship 6 p.m. newscast in 2001. He also anchored the station’s 5 p.m. broadcast for several years.
WOMAN WITH ADVANCED ALZHEIMER’S REGAINED SPEECH AND MEMORIES AFTER TAKING MAGIC MUSHROOMS
Bill Ritter has anchored WABC-TV’s 6 p.m. newscast in New York City since 2001. (Heidi Gutman/Disney via Getty Images)
ABC7 reported that Ritter will remain with the station in a new role focused in part on reporting about Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions, as well as their impact on patients and families.
“For decades, Bill Ritter has covered and led New Yorkers through the stories that matter most,” WABC-TV General Manager Marilu Galvez said in a statement.
“A defining presence at ABC7, he has done so with exceptional insight, integrity and, most of all, heart, earning the love and respect of viewers and colleagues alike,” she continued.
“While he is stepping away from daily anchoring, he will continue to be an integral part of our ABC7 family, including sharing personal updates and providing resources to help others impacted by Alzheimer’s better understand the disease and the resources available to them.”
EXPERIMENTAL ALZHEIMER’S DRUG COULD REDUCE ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL DAMAGE, RESEARCHERS SAY
Bill Ritter, Eyewitness News Anchor, WABC-TV, speaks onstage at the ROAR Forward Summit at Hearst Tower on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Hearst)
“Bill is strong, brilliant, and resourceful, and we look forward to his continued reporting on Eyewitness News,” Galvez added.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded to Ritter’s announcement by wishing the veteran broadcaster and his family “strength in the days ahead.”
“For decades, Bill Ritter has been a trusted presence in New Yorkers’ homes, helping us make sense of the news that shape our city,” Mamdani wrote on X. “
“His courage in sharing his Alzheimer’s diagnosis will help countless families facing the same challenge feel less alone,” he continued. “Wishing Bill, his loved ones, and everyone affected by Alzheimer’s strength in the days ahead.”
Ritter’s colleagues also reacted to his announcement.
ALZHEIMER’S RISK SLASHED BY EATING MORE OF ONE COMMON FOOD, STUDY SUGGESTS
WABC-TV reporter Lucy Yang paid tribute to Ritter’s professionalism and dedication during his decades-long career at the station.
“For decades, I’ve reported for his show and even filled in, anchored w him,” she posted on X. “He never gave less than 110% I salute you. I thank you. And I will pray for you.”
Lee Goldberg, the station’s chief meteorologist, said Ritter’s influence would continue long after he stepped away from the anchor desk.
“He preaches be kind, take care of each other, & we’re all in this together,” Goldberg said on X. “Now, in addition to doing these things for himself & his loving family, he’ll build on his legendary legacy by helping millions who share his battle.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“You’re a saint, and my hero @billritter7,” he added. “Love you.”
Ritter also noted during the broadcast that his father died from Alzheimer’s disease in 1998 after battling the illness for years.
Health
Thought Yo-Yo Dieting Ruined Your Metabolism? New Research Says Otherwise
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
-
Pittsburg, PA2 minutes agoFINAL: Riverhounds 1, Indy Eleven 0 (2026 USL Championship)
-
Augusta, GA7 minutes agoAugusta families celebrate end of school year with block party
-
Washington, D.C14 minutes agoUFC Freedom 250 Results
-
Cleveland, OH17 minutes agoNortheast Ohio weather: Dry start to weekend; showers, storms return Sunday
-
Austin, TX22 minutes agoTexas’ Scenic Park Near Austin Is A Hidden Adventure Gem With Colorado River Kayaking And A Zip Line – Islands
-
Alabama29 minutes agoOU baseball vs Alabama score: Cord Rager, Sooners shut out Tide in College World Series
-
Alaska32 minutes agoU.S. Wildland Fire Service Sends Strong Initial Attack for New Fire Northeast of Fairbanks
-
Arizona37 minutes agoConvicted child molester found in Scottsdale after nearly 10 months on the run