World Health Organization Releases First Global Guidelines on Childhood Obesity
The World Health Organization has announced its first global guidelines on childhood obesity in response to rising cases and outlined comprehensive support measures.
In response to the global increase in childhood obesity, the World Health Organization has published its first comprehensive guidelines, recommending dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioral interventions.
Dimensions and Risks of Obesity
In 2024, 170 million children and adolescents were living with obesity, including 70 million children aged five to nine and nearly 100 million adolescents up to age 19. The UN health agency defines obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease triggered by excessive fat accumulation.
Health and Social Impacts
Childhood obesity increases the risk of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, while also raising the likelihood that children will face stigmatization and discrimination. This situation negatively impacts mental health.
Pharmacological and Surgical Approaches
The published guidelines do not recommend pharmacological treatment or bariatric surgery for children between zero and nine years old. For adolescents aged 10 to 19, approved medications should only be considered when supervised lifestyle programs have failed.
The Importance of Mental Health
The new recommendations emphasize the importance of addressing mental health alongside the condition, as it is both a cause and a consequence of obesity. Factors such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can contribute to unhealthy eating behaviors.
Systemic and Policy Changes
Stating that treatment alone cannot reverse the rise in obesity, the World Health Organization called for policy and systemic changes in education, urban planning, and transportation to make healthy diets accessible.