WHO recommends lifestyle changes over medication for childhood obesity

The World Health Organization recommended following a healthy diet and engaging in physical activity instead of relying on weight-loss medications to treat obesity in children, especially those under the age of ten. It is advised to support behavioral changes and a physically active diet. The report also indicated that weight-loss medications could be used for children between the ages of 10 and 19 after unsuccessful interventions under medical supervision. In cases of severe obesity, if no improvement is observed after six months of ineffective treatment, surgery may be considered only for individuals who are physically and mentally mature. The organization highlighted that childhood obesity rates have significantly increased since 1990, reaching 400 million cases in 2024, with a fourfold rise in prevalence. Obesity now represents the most severe form of malnutrition among children worldwide, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthy diets and affordable physical activity opportunities, given that treatment alone is insufficient to halt the rising rates.