WHO issues new global guidelines against obesity drugs for children under ten
The World Health Organization has released new global guidelines advising against the use of obesity medications for children younger than ten years old.
Recommendations on medication and surgery
WHO states that care should focus on healthy eating and exercise rather than medicine or surgery. The organization does not oppose drug trials but maintains a strong recommendation against these treatments for this age group. Most medications are licensed only for older children, though some doctors prescribe them off-label while companies test them in younger kids.
Digital tools and lifestyle focus
The guidelines suggest that digital technology like activity trackers and active online games might be useful based on limited evidence. These tools encourage players to move more as part of a broader health strategy. The primary approach remains lifestyle changes instead of pharmaceutical intervention for young patients.
Rising rates of child obesity
Estimates indicate that 170 million children and adolescents worldwide are currently obese. This figure includes 70 million children aged five to nine years old. Obesity prevalence in this specific age group has quadrupled since 1990, rising from two percent to eight percent.
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