WHO releases first global guidelines on child obesity as cases surge

Child and adolescent obesity has quadrupled since 1990, rising from two per cent to around eight per cent of youngsters in the five-to-19 age group, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO). In 2024, there were around 170 million children and adolescents living with obesity – including 70 million children aged five to nine and some 100 million adolescents up to 19.The UN health agency defines obesity as a “chronic, relapsing disease” triggered by excessive fat deposits which can nonetheless be managed through effective care.What’s at stake Children and adolescents with the disease can face both medical and social repercussions from very early on in life, WHO warns. Obesity increases the risk of noncommunicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It also increases their likelihood of experiencing stigma, discrimination and bullying, which can strongly negatively affect mental health. In its new set of guidelines, WHO strongly recommends dietary changes, physical activity and other behaviour-changing interventions.Weight loss drugs: a last resortIt does not recommend pharmacological treatment, bariatric surgery (surgery that changes the digestiv...