WHO: Childhood and adolescent obesity quadrupled since 1990, 170 million affected in 2024
WHO warns prevalence among 5–19-year-olds rose from 2% in 1990 to 8% in 2024 and issues first treatment guidance.
The World Health Organization reports that the number of children and adolescents living with obesity has quadrupled since 1990, reaching 170 million in 2024.
WHO says prevalence among 5–19-year-olds rose from 2 percent in 1990 to 8 percent in 2024. Of the total, 70 million are children aged 5–9 and 100 million are adolescents aged 10–19.
The agency published its first-ever guidance on treating obesity in young people, recommending structured programmes that focus on healthy eating, physical activity and sustainable lifestyle change.
Treatment advice and limits on medical and surgical interventions
The guidance states that weight-loss medicines and bariatric surgery should not be used in children under nine years of age. For adolescents aged 10–19, approved medications may be considered only if prescribed lifestyle-change programmes do not produce results. Bariatric surgery is permitted only in cases of severe obesity and under strict conditions.
WHO warns that early-life obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The organisation also highlights mental-health consequences — including stigmatization, peer violence, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem — and recommends that physical and mental health be addressed together.
Luz Maria De Regil, director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at WHO, said: "The foundation of treatment for obesity in children and adolescents is not drugs or surgery, but access to comprehensive support that enables healthy eating, physical activity and sustainable behaviour change." She added that priority must be given to ensuring access to quality health care and a supportive environment from early childhood to help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
WHO stressed that clinical treatment alone will not stop the spread of obesity and called for policies that make healthy food and physical activity more accessible and affordable for all families.
Photo: press material from the event
