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WHO says 170 million children and adolescents are living with obesity
The World Health Organization said that 170 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 were living with obesity in 2024. According to the report, obesity prevalence in this age group quadrupled from 2% to 8% between 1990 and 2024.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a report on its first guideline addressing the rise of obesity among children and adolescents. The report includes recommendations for health systems and healthcare professionals to provide timely, evidence-based and people-centred care.
Obesity prevalence quadrupled
According to the report, 70 million children aged 5 to 9 and 100 million adolescents aged 10 to 19 were living with obesity in 2024. This brings the total number of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 living with obesity to 170 million.
Obesity prevalence in this age group quadrupled from 2% to 8% between 1990 and 2024. The WHO noted that obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease that can be managed through effective care.
Health risks can emerge early in life
The report stated that the consequences of obesity can emerge early in life. It noted that the disease can increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Children and adolescents living with obesity may face discrimination and bullying. The WHO said preventing and managing obesity is important for protecting physical and mental health, healthy growth, education, social well-being and quality of life.
Nutrition and physical activity support recommended
The WHO strongly recommends structured nutrition, physical activity and behaviour-change interventions for children and adolescents with obesity. These interventions can be delivered individually or as part of comprehensive programmes.
Digital health interventions may be used under certain conditions and with the supervision of a parent or caregiver.
Age-based conditions for medication and surgery
The WHO does not recommend pharmacological treatment, bariatric surgery or weight-loss devices for children aged 0 to 9. For adolescents aged 10 to 19, treatment with approved medicines may be considered when the desired results cannot be achieved through a supervised comprehensive lifestyle programme.
Bariatric surgery may be considered under strict conditions for adolescents with severe obesity. Bariatric surgery includes procedures that aim to achieve weight loss by altering the stomach or digestive system.
Mental health should also be addressed early
The report highlighted the importance of addressing mental health at an early stage alongside obesity. It said anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation may contribute to unhealthy eating behaviours, physical inactivity and social withdrawal.
The WHO called on healthcare professionals to address obesity and mental health issues together by using inclusive, developmentally appropriate and family-centred strategies.
Comprehensive support is the foundation of care
Dr Luz Maria De Regil, Director of the WHO Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, said that medication or surgery is not the foundation of obesity care for children and adolescents. Regil said comprehensive support that enables healthy eating, physical activity and sustainable behaviour change should be prioritised.
Regil said that ensuring every child and adolescent has access to quality care and supportive environments from an early age would help them achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
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