Interpretation of the World Health Organization guideline on the use and indications of GLP-1 therapies for the treatment of obesity in adults from a surgical perspective: opportunities, challenges, and implications for clinical pathways in China

Abstract:

The recent release of the World Health Organization guideline on the use and indications of glucagon-like peptide-1 therapies for the treatment of obesity in adults further establishes the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in obesity management. From a surgical perspective, this article systematically interprets the key recommendations of the guideline, with a focus on the impact of GLP-1-based therapies on the current treatment paradigm and their implications for bariatric and metabolic surgery. In addition, the potential clinical pathways for integrating pharmacological and surgical approaches in China are discussed, aiming to provide insights for optimizing comprehensive obesity management.