WHO: Nearly 170 million children and adolescents worldwide are obese n

According to the World Health Organization, about 170 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 years suffer from obesity.

According to TASS with reference to the WHO, in 2024, 400 million children and adolescents 5-19 years old had excess body weight, of which 170 million were obese. Since 1990, the prevalence of obesity among this age group has quadrupled, from 2% to about 8%.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued recommendations that should “fill an important gap in global approaches to treat obesity.”.

“Children and adolescents with the disease may face both medical and social consequences early in life.”.

Obesity increases the risk of noncommunicable diseases, including type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition, it increases the likelihood of facing stigma, discrimination and bullying, which can adversely affect mental health.

In the new guidelines, WHO strongly recommends dietary control, increased physical activity and other lifestyle changes.

Children under 9 years are not recommended medication and surgery to change the digestive system for weight loss. For adolescents aged 10-19, the WHO says treatment with approved drugs should only be considered when a lifestyle adjustment program under the supervision of specialists has failed.

“The foundation of care for children and adolescents with obesity is not medication or surgery, but access to comprehensive support that promotes healthy eating, physical activity and sustainable behaviour change,” said Dr. Luz Maria de Rehill, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at WHO. How to fight excess weight and what diets are best for this