Daijiworld Media Network - Geneva
Geneva, Oct 10: The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised against the use of weight-loss medicines, bariatric surgery and weight-management devices for children below 10 years of age, recommending a comprehensive approach centred on healthy eating, physical activity and behavioural support to manage childhood obesity.
The new guidelines, released on October 7, come amid a sharp rise in childhood and adolescent obesity worldwide. According to WHO estimates, around 170 million children and adolescents aged five to 19 were living with obesity in 2024, with the prevalence in this age group increasing fourfold since 1990.
The recommendations provide guidance on the treatment of children already living with obesity, emphasising the need for age-appropriate, family-centred care that supports healthy growth, physical health and emotional wellbeing rather than focusing exclusively on weight reduction.
Under the new guidelines for children aged up to nine years, WHO does not recommend pharmacological treatment, bariatric surgery or weight-loss devices. Instead, it strongly recommends structured dietary interventions, physical activity and behavioural support, either individually or as part of a comprehensive programme. Digital health interventions may also be used with appropriate supervision from parents or caregivers.
WHO describes obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease that can affect health from an early age and increase the risk of non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Children living with obesity may also experience stigma, discrimination and bullying, which can adversely affect their social and emotional development.
Different treatment options for adolescents
The guidelines distinguish between younger children and adolescents aged 10 to 19, for whom additional treatment options may be considered under specific conditions.
WHO says approved anti-obesity medicines may be considered for adolescents living with obesity when a structured and supervised programme combining lifestyle changes has failed to achieve the desired results. For adolescents with severe obesity, bariatric surgery may also be considered under strict conditions, following an assessment of individual circumstances, potential benefits and risks.
The recommendations do not suggest that medicines or surgery should automatically be prescribed to every adolescent with obesity. Comprehensive lifestyle interventions remain central to treatment, with additional medical options reserved for selected cases.
Childhood obesity rises fourfold
The scale of the problem highlights the importance of the new guidance. In 2024, approximately 400 million children and adolescents aged five to 19 were overweight worldwide, including 170 million living with obesity. Of those living with obesity, an estimated 70 million were children aged five to nine, while 100 million were adolescents aged 10 to 19.
The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in this age group rose from two per cent in 1990 to eight per cent in 2024, according to WHO.
Obesity can persist into adulthood and is associated with a higher risk of chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Its consequences may also affect children's education, social relationships and mental health.
WHO has stressed that treatment alone will not reverse the global trend. Governments and communities must also ensure that healthy food is affordable and accessible and that children have safe opportunities to participate in physical activity.
Mental health integral to obesity care
The guidelines also highlight the importance of addressing mental health alongside physical health. Children and adolescents living with obesity may experience bullying, stigma, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Difficulties in managing emotions may also affect eating habits, physical activity and social interactions.
WHO recommends that healthcare workers identify and address mental health concerns early, providing inclusive and developmentally appropriate care that takes account of the needs of children and their families.
The agency emphasises that obesity management should focus on improving overall health, functioning and quality of life, with sustained follow-up and support rather than weight loss alone.
The new recommendations form part of WHO's broader effort to address obesity throughout life, from childhood to adulthood. The organisation has reiterated that effective management requires both access to appropriate healthcare and wider public health measures that promote healthy diets, physical activity and supportive environments for children and adolescents.