WHO releases new guidelines for treating childhood obesity amid rising global prevalence
In 2024, an estimated 170 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years were living with obesity, including 70 million children aged 5 to 9 and 100 million adolescents aged 10 to 19.
SWITZERLAND—The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first guidelines on treating obesity in children and adolescents, setting out evidence-based approaches to improve care and address the growing global burden of the disease.
In 2024, an estimated 170 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years were living with obesity, including 70 million children aged 5 to 9 and 100 million adolescents aged 10 to 19.
Prevalence in this age group quadrupled between 1990 and 2024, rising from 2% to 8%.
WHO classifies obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease that requires appropriate and sustained care.
Its effects can begin early in life, increasing the risk of noncommunicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Children and adolescents living with obesity may also experience bullying, discrimination and stigma, which can affect their mental health, education and social development.
Guidelines prioritise lifestyle interventions
The new recommendations call for structured interventions that combine healthy eating, physical activity and behaviour change.
WHO strongly recommends these approaches for children and adolescents with obesity, delivered individually or through comprehensive programmes.
Digital health interventions may also support treatment, although WHO conditionally recommends their use under parent or caregiver supervision.
The guidelines distinguish treatment options according to age.
WHO does not recommend weight-loss medicines, bariatric surgery, or weight-loss devices for children aged 0 to 9 years.
For adolescents aged 10 to 19, healthcare professionals may consider approved medicines when supervised, if comprehensive lifestyle interventions have not achieved the desired results.
Bariatric surgery may also be considered for adolescents with severe obesity, but only under strict conditions.
Dr Luz María De Regil, Director of WHO’s Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, said effective care should begin with comprehensive support rather than medicine or surgery.
She emphasised the need to ensure that children and adolescents can access quality healthcare and supportive environments from an early age.
These measures can help them maintain a healthy weight and protect their long-term health and wellbeing.
Mental health and family support remain important
Although the guidelines focus primarily on obesity treatment, they also highlight the need to address mental health concerns alongside physical health.
Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and difficulties regulating emotions can contribute to unhealthy eating habits, inactivity and social withdrawal.
At the same time, stigma and bullying associated with obesity can further undermine emotional wellbeing.
WHO advises healthcare workers to identify and address obesity and related mental health conditions early, using inclusive approaches that reflect each child’s developmental stage and involve families.
The recommendations also encourage providers to assess progress beyond changes in body weight.
Treatment should improve overall health, daily functioning and quality of life, with care tailored to individual needs and supported by long-term follow-up.
WHO calls for wider public health measures
WHO cautions that clinical treatment alone cannot reverse the increase in childhood obesity.
Governments must also improve access to affordable, nutritious food and opportunities for physical activity through policies spanning healthcare, education, urban planning, transport and social protection.
Regulatory and fiscal measures can complement clinical services by helping create environments that support healthier choices.
For healthcare systems, implementing the recommendations will require coordination among clinicians, nutrition professionals, mental health specialists and community services, alongside appropriate referral pathways and continuity of care.
The guidelines extend WHO’s existing recommendations for adults, supporting a life course approach to obesity management from childhood through adolescence and adulthood.
They also contribute to the organisation’s broader response to the global obesity epidemic, including its acceleration plan to stop obesity.
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