Yasmin Bilal
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued its first global guidelines for treating obesity in children and adolescents, setting out when medication and surgery may be considered.
The guidance comes as childhood obesity continues to rise worldwide. An estimated 170 million children and adolescents aged five to 19 were living with the condition in 2024.
Of these, about 70 million were children aged five to nine, while 100 million were aged 10 to 19. The proportion of young people living with obesity has quadrupled since 1990, increasing from 2% to 8%.
The WHO describes obesity as a chronic condition that requires ongoing care. It can increase the risk of other health problems, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The guidelines recommend structured programmes that combine healthy eating, physical activity and behavioural support. Digital health interventions may also be used under the supervision of a parent or caregiver.
The organisation says these measures should form the foundation of treatment, with care tailored to each child’s age and individual needs.
For children under 10, the WHO does not recommend weight-loss medicines, bariatric surgery or weight-loss devices.
For adolescents aged 10 to 19, approved weight-loss medicines may be considered if supervised lifestyle interventions have not achieved the desired results. Bariatric surgery may also be an option for teenagers with severe obesity, subject to strict conditions.
The guidance highlights the emotional and social effects of obesity. Children and adolescents living with the condition may face bullying, discrimination and stigma, which can affect their mental well-being.
The WHO recommends addressing mental health alongside obesity treatment. Families should be involved in care, with continued support aimed at improving overall health and quality of life.
The organisation also warns that treatment alone will not reverse the global increase in childhood obesity. Governments need to improve access to nutritious food and provide more opportunities for physical activity.
It calls for action across sectors, including education, transport, urban planning and social protection, to create environments that support healthier choices for children and adolescents.