WHO Issues First Global Guidelines for Childhood Obesity: What Parents Need to Know

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first global guidelines for managing obesity in children and teenagers. The new guidelines come as childhood obesity continues to rise around the world.

World Health Organization
According to WHO, about 170 million children and teenagers aged 5 to 19 were living with obesity in 2024. This included around 70 million children aged 5 to 9 and 100 million teenagers aged 10 to 19.

The problem has grown sharply over the past few decades. WHO says obesity among children and teenagers has increased four times since 1990, rising from about 2% to 8%. World Health Organisation

WHO focuses on lifestyle changes
WHO says the main focus of obesity treatment for children should not be medicines or surgery. Instead, children should receive support for healthy eating, regular physical activity and long-term behaviour changes.
The organisation strongly recommends structured programmes that combine diet, physical activity and behaviour support. These programmes can be provided individually or as part of a larger treatment plan.

WHO also says digital health programmes may help in some cases, but younger people should use them with supervision from a parent or caregiver. World Health Organization

Medicines are not the first choice
The new guidelines also give clear advice about weight-loss medicines and surgery.
For children aged 0 to 9 years, WHO does not recommend weight-loss medicines, bariatric surgery or weight-loss devices for obesity treatment.

For teenagers aged 10 to 19, approved medicines may be considered in some cases. However, WHO says they should only be considered when a supervised lifestyle programme has not produced the desired results.
Bariatric surgery may also be considered for teenagers with severe obesity, but only under strict conditions and with proper medical supervision. World Health Organization

Mental health is also important
WHO says childhood obesity is not only a physical health issue. It can also affect mental health.
Children living with obesity may face bullying, discrimination and social stigma. These experiences can affect their confidence and emotional well-being.

The guidelines therefore recommend that healthcare workers also pay attention to mental health. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and other emotional problems can sometimes affect eating habits and physical activity. World Health Organization

WHO says treatment should focus on improving a child’s overall health and quality of life, rather than simply trying to reduce body weight.

What this means for parents
The new WHO guidance sends a simple message: childhood obesity needs early and supportive care.
Parents should focus on healthy food choices, regular physical activity and sustainable daily habits. Children should not be shamed or bullied because of their weight.

WHO also says that individual treatment alone cannot solve the global obesity problem. Governments and communities need to make healthy food and physical activity easier and more affordable for families. World Health Organization
The bigger message is clear: treating childhood obesity is not just about losing weight. It is about helping children grow up healthier, more active and mentally well.