Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its first global guidelines on treating obesity in children and adolescents. Presented on 7 October 2026, the document sets out approaches to providing timely, evidence-based medical care tailored to the needs of young patients.
According to the WHO, around 170 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 were living with obesity in 2024. Of these, 70 million were aged 5–9, while another 100 million were adolescents aged 10–19.
Since 1990, the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents has quadrupled, rising from 2% to 8%.
Obesity is a chronic disease that can recur but can be managed with effective treatment.
It increases the risk of other noncommunicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Children living with obesity may also face stigma, discrimination and bullying, which can adversely affect their psychological well-being.
Comprehensive approach to treatment
The WHO strongly recommends structured programmes combining dietary changes, physical activity and behavioural interventions. These can be delivered individually or as part of comprehensive programmes that bring together several approaches. The use of digital health tools is conditionally recommended and should involve parents or caregivers.
The WHO does not recommend using weight-loss medicines, bariatric surgery or weight-loss devices for children aged 0–9.
For adolescents aged 10–19, treatment with approved medicines may be considered if a supervised, comprehensive lifestyle intervention has not produced the expected results.
Bariatric surgery may be considered for adolescents with severe obesity, provided strict criteria are met.
“The foundation of care for children and adolescents living with obesity is not medication or surgery, but access to comprehensive support that helps them eat healthily, engage in physical activity and make lasting behavioural changes,” said Luz Maria De-Regil, Director of the WHO Department of Nutrition and Food Safety.
She stressed the importance of ensuring that children have access to quality healthcare and of creating supportive environments that help them maintain a healthy weight from an early age.
Psychological well-being
The guidelines also emphasise the need to address the mental health of children and adolescents living with obesity. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and difficulties regulating emotions can contribute to unhealthy eating habits, reduced physical activity and social isolation.
Healthcare workers are advised to identify problems related to both obesity and psychological well-being at an early stage and address them simultaneously. Care should take into account the child’s age and developmental needs, use inclusive approaches and involve the family.
The WHO notes that treatment should not focus solely on weight loss. Improving a child’s health, daily functioning and overall well-being is also important. Care should be tailored to the individual needs of patients and their families and include long-term follow-up.
Prevention requires systemic measures
According to the WHO, treatment alone is not enough to curb the rising prevalence of obesity. Healthy food and opportunities for physical activity need to become more accessible and affordable.
Possible measures include regulatory and fiscal tools, as well as initiatives in education, urban planning, transport and social protection.
The new guidelines complement the WHO’s previously published materials on treating obesity in adults and support a comprehensive approach to preventing and treating the disease throughout life.
The document forms part of the organisation’s broader efforts to combat the global obesity epidemic, including its acceleration plan for tackling obesity.