WHO Advises Against Obesity Treatments for Under-10s

New global guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) advise that children under the age of ten should not receive obesity drugs or specific weight-loss injections. This recommendation highlights the organisation's focus on promoting healthy eating and exercise rather than resorting to medical or surgical interventions. Although some medications, such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, have been tested in children as young as six, WHO asserts that these treatments should not be used in younger patients.

WHO's recommendations follow alarming statistics revealing that 170 million youngsters and adolescents worldwide are classified as obese. This includes approximately 70 million children aged between five and nine. The prevalence of obesity in this demographic has risen dramatically over the past three decades, increasing from just 2% in 1990 to 8% today. Projections indicate that as of 2024, about 35 million children under five years old are expected to be overweight.

Obesity can lead to various health complications, such as type 2 diabetes and other serious conditions. Dr Luz De Rigil, Director of Nutrition and Food Safety at WHO, stated clearly, "For children under 10, WHO does not recommend obesity medicines, bariatric surgery or weight-management devices. This is a strong recommendation." She added that interventions might be suitable for older children and adolescents but only when lifestyle modifications fail and if the young individual is ready, both mentally and physically.

Laurence Grummer-Strawn, head of Nutrition and Food Safety Actions at WHO, expressed caution regarding initiating obesity treatments in very young children. He questioned the long-term usage of GLP-1 medications, saying, "We don't really have evidence that you can use this as a temporary treatment and then turn to something dietary later on in life. We are very cautious about jumping in without clear evidence."

While WHO does not oppose the trial of drugs, it maintains a clear position against their use in younger children and reiterates the importance of holistic approaches that encourage physical activity. It has been suggested that certain digital tools, such as activity trackers and online games that promote movement, could be beneficial, though evidence supporting these strategies remains limited. The guidelines signify a critical shift in managing childhood obesity, aiming to safeguard the health and well-being of younger populations worldwide.