WASHINGTON (May 15, 2023)—The World Health Organization (WHO) is conducting its first review of obesity management guidelines in more than 20 years. Last issued in 2000, the guidelines serve as a blueprint for countries to draft their own plans. The WHO has commissioned a study to assess the evidence for the use of all drugs for children and adolescents – including a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists which can be used as a weight loss drug. GLP-1 agonists, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are given by weekly injection and affect hunger signals to the brain, slowing the rate at which a person’s stomach empties, making them feel full longer.
Along similar lines additional new guidelines from WHO say not to use sugar substitutes to lose weight, citing a systematic review of the available evidence which suggest that use of non-sugar sweeteners, “does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.” Additionally, WHO’s review of non-sugar sweeteners indicated that there might be “potential undesirable effects'' from the long-term use of sugar substitutes such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
The George Washington University has experts available to comment on a variety of issues related to obesity, weight loss and the use of artificial sweeteners. To request an interview please contact Kathy Fackelmann, [email protected] or Rachel Larris, [email protected].
William Deitz is the director of the Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. He is also the Director of the STOP Obesity Alliance at George Washington University. He can discuss obesity as a global public health topic.
Allison Sylvetsky is an associate professor of exercise and nutrition sciences at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. Her research focuses broadly on obesity and diabetes in youth. Her primary research interests are in studying the consumption and health effects of sugar-sweetened beverages and low-calorie (artificial) sweeteners, with a key focus on their use during childhood. She can also give practical dietary advice for people who want to lose the extra weight without reaching for diet soda or artificially sweetened foods.