The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its first global guidelines for addressing childhood obesity, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that prioritizes healthy nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral support. According to the WHO, approximately 170 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 years were obese in 2024, with the prevalence of obesity increasing from 2% in 1990 to 8% currently.
The WHO recommends that children and adolescents with obesity participate in organized programs that combine dietary guidance, physical activity, and interventions aimed at sustainable behavioral changes. These programs can be delivered individually or as part of multi-faceted initiatives that incorporate various types of support. Digital interventions can also be used, provided they are supervised by parents or caregivers.
For children under the age of 10, the WHO does not recommend the use of medication or obesity surgery, nor does it endorse weight-loss devices. However, for adolescents aged 10-19 years, medication may be considered if supervised programs that combine nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral changes do not achieve the desired results. Obesity surgery may also be considered in specific cases of severe obesity.
The WHO emphasizes the importance of integrating mental health into the care of children and adolescents with obesity, encouraging healthcare professionals to detect and address anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and emotional difficulties early on. The organization also highlights the need to consider the impact of bullying and weight-related stigma.
According to Dr. Luz Maria de Regil, Director of Nutrition and Food Safety at the WHO, the foundation of obesity care for children and adolescents is not medication or surgery, but rather comprehensive support. The WHO recommends personalized care that takes into account the child's age, needs, and family circumstances, with regular and long-term follow-up.
The WHO notes that individual treatments alone will not be sufficient to reverse the global trend of rising obesity rates, and is calling on governments to facilitate access to healthy food and physical activity through regulatory and financial measures, as well as policies in areas such as education, transportation, urban planning, and social protection.
The organization stresses that the goal of obesity treatment should not be solely focused on weight loss, but rather on improving overall health, daily functioning, and well-being. By adopting a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of obesity, the WHO aims to mitigate the growing burden of this disease and promote healthier lifestyles for children and adolescents worldwide.
Key points
- The WHO recommends a comprehensive approach to addressing childhood obesity, prioritizing healthy nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral support.
- The organization emphasizes the importance of integrating mental health into the care of children and adolescents with obesity.
- The WHO calls on governments to facilitate access to healthy food and physical activity through regulatory and financial measures.
