The push by Bill Gates and the WHO(World Health Organization) /PAHO(Pan American Health Organization) to introduce weight-loss drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) in low- and middle-income nations raises serious ethical, medical, and economic concerns. While obesity is a growing global health crisis, relying on pharmaceutical interventions—especially in resource-limited settings—may not be the best or safest solution. Here are the key risks and controversies:
1. Side Effects & Long-Term Safety Concerns
These drugs (GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide) commonly cause gastrointestinal issues, often mild to moderate and improving over time (especially during dose escalation):
- Nausea (most common, affecting 30-40% of users)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Other frequent effects include injection site reactions, fatigue, or headache.
Serious risks include:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder problems (e.g., gallstones)
- Kidney issues
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia, especially with diabetes meds)
- Boxed warning for potential thyroid tumors (based on animal studies; human risk unclear)
- Possible gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) or slowed digestion
Muscle loss can occur with rapid weight loss, so resistance training is recommended. Long-term safety data is still emerging.
Bill Gates and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) are working together to make effective weight-loss medications accessible in low- and middle-income countries, such as Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, in low- and middle-income countries. This effort aims to address the significant disparity in obesity treatment globally, a pressing health and economic challenge that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), could incur an economic burden of $3 trillion by 2030 if not adequately addressed.
Global Inequality in Obesity Treatment: Gates and PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, have highlighted the urgent need to bridge the accessibility gap regarding effective obesity treatments in lower-income nations.
Collaboration for Solutions:
- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has begun working with Indian pharmaceutical companies to develop low-cost versions of weight-loss drugs, priced around $40 per year, making them more accessible to low-income populations.
- By next year, the patent for semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) will expire in countries like India and China. This will open the market to generic manufacturers who can create cheaper alternatives.
Research and Development:
- Gates mentioned that the foundation might support clinical trials to understand how different populations respond to obesity medications. This research could help in tailoring treatments that are effective for various demographics.
Towards Implementation:
- PAHO has a system in place that allows member countries to pool their purchasing power to negotiate lower prices for medications. This system could be applied to obesity drugs, thus reducing costs significantly.
- PAHO is currently working on recommendations regarding the safe use of these drugs and will be engaging with manufacturers to negotiate terms.
2. Ethical Concerns: Profit-Driven vs. Sustainable Solutions
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly stand to profit massively from expanding into low-income markets, raising questions about Big Pharma’s influence on global health policy.
Bill Gates’ involvement—despite his foundation’s ties to pharmaceutical companies—has drawn skepticism, especially after controversies around vaccine injuries and coercive policies during COVID-19.
Should expensive, patented drugs be prioritized over nutritional education, food security, and public health measures that address root causes of obesity?
3. Economic Burden on Low-Income Nations
These drugs cost thousands per year per patient, straining already weak healthcare systems.
The WHO estimates obesity could cost $3 trillion by 2030, but pharmaceutical dependence may shift the economic burden onto poorer nations while enriching Western drugmakers.
Will governments be pressured into subsidizing these drugs at the expense of primary healthcare?
4. Ignoring Root Causes of Obesity
Obesity in low-income nations is often linked to:
Processed food dumping by multinational corporations.
Lack of access to fresh, nutritious foods.
Sedentary lifestyles due to urbanization and labor shifts.
Economic stress leading to poor dietary choices.
Pushing drugs instead of systemic reforms risks medicalizing poverty-related health issues instead of tackling corporate and policy failures.
5. Alternative Approaches
Experts like Dr. Amitav Banerjee, Chairman of the Universal Health Organisation (UHO), urges for effective public health policies that:
- Promote physical activity through better infrastructure (e.g., walking and cycling paths).
- Regulate the marketing of ultra-processed foods.
- Foster community awareness regarding healthy food choices.
While weight-loss drugs may help some individuals, their large-scale rollout in low-income nations raises red flags:
✅ Safety risks are understudied in diverse populations.
✅ Corporate profiteering could overshadow real solutions.
✅ Sustainable policies (not just pills) are needed to address obesity.
The Gates-WHO/PAHO initiative risks repeating past mistakes of prioritizing pharmaceutical interventions over systemic change raising concerns about who truly benefits.
Natural weight loss remedies can support a healthy lifestyle when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Here are some effective, science-backed approaches:
1. Drink More Water
- Staying hydrated helps boost metabolism and reduce hunger.
- Drinking water before meals may reduce calorie intake.
2. Eat More Fiber
- Foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes keep you full longer.
- Soluble fiber (oats, chia seeds, apples) slows digestion and stabilizes blood sugar.
3. Prioritize Protein
- High-protein foods (lean meats, eggs, beans, Greek yogurt) increase satiety and preserve muscle.
- Protein has a high thermic effect, meaning your body burns more calories digesting it.
4. Healthy Fats in Moderation
- Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil, fatty fish) help control cravings.
- Avoid trans fats and excessive saturated fats.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
- May help control blood sugar and reduce appetite.
- Mix 1–2 teaspoons in water before meals (avoid excessive use).
6. Green Tea & Herbal Teas
- Green tea contains catechins and caffeine, which may enhance fat burning.
- Herbal teas (ginger, peppermint) can reduce bloating and cravings.
7. Spices That Boost Metabolism
- Cayenne pepper (capsaicin) may increase calorie burning.
- Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar.
- Turmeric (curcumin) may reduce inflammation linked to obesity.
8. Probiotics for Gut Health
- Fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut) support a healthy gut microbiome, which may aid weight loss.
9. Mindful Eating
- Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and avoid distractions to prevent overeating.
10. Get Enough Sleep
- Poor sleep disrupts hunger hormones (ghrelin & leptin), increasing cravings.
- Aim for 7–9 hours per night.
11. Reduce Stress
- Chronic stress raises cortisol, promoting fat storage (especially around the abdomen).
- Try meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
12. Natural Appetite Suppressants
- Glucomannan (a fiber from konjac root) expands in the stomach, reducing hunger.
- Black coffee (in moderation) can suppress appetite and boost metabolism.
Avoid Fad Remedies
- Detox teas, excessive fasting, or extreme diets often lead to water loss (not fat loss) and can harm metabolism.
Natural weight loss requires long-term lifestyle changes, not quick fixes. Combine these remedies with a whole-food diet, portion control, and regular movement (walking, strength training) for sustainable results.
Additional Information:
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is the world’s oldest international public health agency, serving as the specialized health body for the Americas and the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). Founded in 1902, PAHO works with its member countries to improve health, strengthen health systems, fight diseases (infectious and non-communicable), and respond to health emergencies, promoting cooperation and the right to health across the hemisphere.
https://www.paho.org/en/news/19-12-2025-who-launches-traditional-medicine-global-library
The WHO Traditional Medicine Global Library Launch
On December 19, 2025, at the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit in New Delhi, India, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the Traditional Medicine Global Library. This new online resource aims to enhance traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) by weaving together traditional knowledge with scientific evidence and modern technology.
The library is a response to the needs of billions of people who rely on traditional medicine for health care—especially Indigenous communities, rural populations, and those in vulnerable situations. Think of it like a community garden where different plants (traditional practices) and scientific methods (modern agriculture) grow together to create a thriving ecosystem (health system). By combining these elements, the library supports public policies that are fair and culturally sensitive.
- Global Resource: The library, developed by BIREME in partnership with the WHO, acts as a hub for organizing and sharing knowledge.
- Access and Inclusion: It provides a structured digital platform with over 1.6 million records, including more than 1 million full-text documents. This ensures that policymakers and health professionals can access important information about TCIM efficiently.
Components of the Library
- Regional and Country Pages: The library includes a global portal and specific pages for 194 countries, allowing tailored information access based on local contexts.
- Specialized Content: There are several thematic pages focusing on critical health areas, with the first dedicated to Traditional Birth Assistance in the Americas. This shows how traditional practices can play a vital role in maternal and neonatal health, just like essential cultural recipes passed down that help families thrive.
Digital Tools for Access
The library employs innovative digital technologies to access the information. For instance, evidence maps and an AI tool called TMGL GPT help organize and retrieve information efficiently, helping health decisions be based on solid evidence.
Additionally, a partnership with Research4Life expands the reach of this resource, making scientific information available for free or at a low cost to eligible institutions in low- and middle-income countries. This ensures that everyone, especially those who might lack resources, can access vital health information.
Goals and Future Directions
This initiative is built on the Gujarat Declaration (2023) and is aligned with the WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034. João Paulo Souza, the director of BIREME, highlights the importance of embracing the rich tapestry of health practices around the world to achieve comprehensive health and wellbeing.
Ref:
- WHO guideline on GLP-1 for obesity: https://www.who.int/news/item/01-12-2025-who-issues-global-guideline-on-the-use-of-glp-1-medicines-in-treating-obesity
- Gates Foundation/PAHO efforts on access: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/bill-gates-paho-consider-ways-bring-weight-loss-drugs-lower-income-countries-2025-10-10/
- Side effects overview (e.g., from clinical reviews): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11404059/ or FDA labels for specific drugs.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8436299/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/berberine-cinnamon-green-tea-may-mimic-ozempics-weight-loss-effect
- https://rootfunctionalmedicine.com/glp1-alternatives
- Image-https://drjennpb.com/semaglutide-vs-tirzepatide/
- https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/natural-alternatives-ozempic-weight-loss-3579937/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WeightLoss-HealthProfessional/ - https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/weight-loss-jab-natural-alternatives-ozempic-food-cravings-b2751438.html
- https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/861341/weight-loss-alternatives-expert-approved-ways-to-lose-weight-without-injections/
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