WHO endorses lifestyle changes over GLP-1 drugs in child obesity fight
NVO•The WHO recommended diet, exercise and counseling over weight-loss drugs for children under 10, and said drugs may be considered for adolescents aged 10 to 19 with obesity only after supervised interventions fail. It said 170 million people aged 5 to 19 had obesity in 2024.
1. WHO guidelines for children
The WHO recommended diet, physical activity and behavioral support instead of obesity medication, surgery or devices for children under 10, citing doubts about safety and long-term effectiveness. For adolescents aged 10 to 19 with obesity, weight-loss drugs may be considered only after supervised interventions fail.
2. Treatment and prevalence
Bariatric surgery could be considered for physically and mentally mature adolescents with severe obesity after six months of unsuccessful treatment. WHO said 400 million people aged 5 to 19 were overweight in 2024, including 170 million with obesity, and obesity prevalence in the group has quadrupled since 1990.
3. Evidence on GLP-1 drugs
WHO said there is currently insufficient evidence on GLP-1 drugs, while researchers monitor efficacy and safety trials. The agency said tailored diets, physical activity and behavioral programs involving caregivers should be offered, with supervised digital support as an option.
