The World Health Organization has released its first guidelines addressing the rising issue of childhood obesity, emphasizing that medicine and surgery are not suitable solutions for overweight children. Instead, the WHO recommends structured diets, increased physical activity, and behavioral changes. According to the guidelines, children under 10 years old should not be treated with pharmacological interventions, bariatric surgery, or weight-loss devices. This approach contrasts with adult obesity guidelines, which allow for the use of certain medications.
The WHO reports that approximately 170 million children and adolescents worldwide are affected by obesity. In 2024, 70 million children aged 5-9 and 100 million adolescents aged 10-19 were obese. The prevalence of obesity among 5- to 19-year-olds has surged globally, rising from 2% in 1990 to 8% in 2024. This increase is observed across all regions, with low- and middle-income countries experiencing significant growth, while some high-income countries have started to see a plateau in obesity rates.
Luz Maria De Regil, director of the WHO's nutrition and food safety department, stresses that the foundation of obesity care for children and adolescents lies in comprehensive support for healthy eating, physical activity, and sustainable behavioral changes. The WHO emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health alongside obesity, as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can contribute to unhealthy behaviors. Children and adolescents with obesity may experience stigma and bullying, further exacerbating the issue.
The WHO guidelines suggest that for adolescents aged 10-19, treatment with approved medications may be considered if supervised multimodal lifestyle programs have not achieved the desired results. Bariatric surgery may be considered under strict conditions for adolescents with severe obesity. Maria Nieves Garcia Casal, a scientist in the WHO's nutrition and food safety department, notes that bariatric surgery may be considered during adolescence for cases of severe obesity accompanied by complications, such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension, if diet and lifestyle changes have failed.
The WHO's recommendations for children and adolescents differ from those for adults, where a new generation of appetite-suppressing drugs called GLP-1 agonists, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, have shown promise in tackling obesity. However, these medications are not recommended for children and adolescents under 10 years old. The WHO aims to address the rising issue of childhood obesity through these guidelines, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that prioritizes lifestyle changes over medical interventions.
According to the WHO, some high-income countries have started to see a reduction in obesity rates, but low- and middle-income countries continue to experience significant growth. The organization emphasizes the need for a global response to address the rising issue of childhood obesity. By promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and behavioral changes, the WHO hopes to reduce the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents worldwide.
The WHO's guidelines for childhood obesity aim to provide a framework for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and families to address this growing issue. By prioritizing lifestyle changes and comprehensive support, the organization hopes to reduce the long-term health consequences of childhood obesity, including increased risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.
Key points
- The WHO recommends structured diets, physical activity, and behavioral changes as the primary approach to addressing childhood obesity.
- The organization advises against the use of pharmacological interventions, bariatric surgery, or weight-loss devices for children under 10 years old.
- The prevalence of obesity among 5- to 19-year-olds has surged globally, rising from 2% in 1990 to 8% in 2024.
