The number of children and adolescents with obesity has quadrupled since 1990, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday. According to the data, 170 million children aged 5 to 19 were living with obesity in 2024.
The prevalence of obesity in the 5 to 19-year-old age group has risen from 2 per cent in 1990 to 8 per cent in 2024. Of the total number of cases, 70 million are children aged 5 to 9, and 100 million are adolescents aged 10 to 19.
The data was released alongside the first WHO guidelines for the treatment of obesity in children and adolescents. The WHO recommends structured programmes focused on diet, physical activity, and lifestyle changes. The guidelines state that weight-loss drugs and bariatric surgery must not be used in children under the age of nine. For adolescents aged 10 to 19, medication may be considered only if supervised lifestyle changes do not yield results, while bariatric surgery is permitted only in cases of severe obesity and under strict conditions.
The WHO warns that obesity from an early age increases the risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Mental health impacts are also highlighted, including the stigma, bullying, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem associated with the condition. It is recommended that physical and mental health be treated simultaneously.
Dr Luz Maria De Regil, director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at the WHO, stated that the foundation of treating obesity in children and adolescents is not drugs or surgery, but a comprehensive approach to support that enables healthy eating, physical activity, and sustainable behavioural change. She added that priority must be given to ensuring access to quality healthcare and a supportive environment for every child from the earliest age.
The WHO stresses that treatment must encompass more than just weight loss. The focus should be on overall health and functionality, through long-term care tailored to children and their families. They warn that treatment alone is not enough to halt the spread of obesity, and call for measures to make healthy food and physical activity more accessible and affordable for all.
