World Health Organization Obesity Warning: 170 Million Children Affected
The World Health Organization stated that obesity rates in children have quadrupled since 1990 and shared its first global guideline.
The World Health Organization announced that 170 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 live with obesity, sharing its first global guideline in this field with the public.
Obesity Rates Are Rising
The World Health Organization announced that 170 million children and adolescents in the 5-19 age group face obesity.
The prevalence of obesity in this age group has quadrupled since 1990, reaching 8 percent.
Distribution by Age Groups
Globally, as of 2024, 70 million children between the ages of 5-9 live with obesity.
During the same period, this number was recorded as 100 million among adolescents aged 10-19.
Effects of the Disease
The World Health Organization reported that obesity is a chronic and relapsing disease that can be managed with effective care.
Obesity at early ages can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and can lead to bullying.
Lifestyle Change
Dr. Luz Maria De Regil, Director of the WHO Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, stated that medication is not the foundation of care.
It was emphasized that access to comprehensive care supporting healthy nutrition and physical activity is a priority.
Treatment and Surgery Restrictions
The organization does not recommend the use of drug therapy, bariatric surgery, and weight loss devices in the 0-9 age group.
In the 10-19 age group, drug therapy can only be evaluated following supervised programs.
The Role of Mental Health
In the published guideline, it was stated that mental health should also be addressed at an early stage alongside obesity.
Health workers were called upon to evaluate obesity and mental health issues together.