The World Health Organization has issued new global guidelines advising against the use of obesity drugs for children under the age of 10. The recommendation specifically targets GLP-1 weight-loss injections, including medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, which are increasingly being prescribed off-label or tested in clinical trials for young patients.
While most of these medications are currently licensed only for older children and adolescents, some physicians have begun prescribing them to younger patients. Pharmaceutical companies are also conducting trials involving children as young as six years old. The WHO states that care for this age group should focus on healthy eating and exercise rather than medicine or surgery.
Concerns over long-term use
Dr. Luz De Rigil, the WHO Director of Nutrition and Food Safety, emphasized that the organization does not recommend obesity medicines, bariatric surgery, or weight-management devices for children under 10. She described this as a strong recommendation based on current evidence.
Laurence Grummer-Strawn, head of Nutrition and Food Safety Actions at the WHO, expressed particular concern about starting children on these treatments at a very young age. He questioned when such treatment would stop, noting that there is no evidence to suggest these drugs can be used temporarily before transitioning to dietary interventions later in life.
“We are very cautious about jumping in without clear evidence,” Grummer-Strawn said. The WHO recognizes that this is an evolving field and will continue to evaluate the evidence as it becomes available.
Rising obesity rates globally
The guidelines come as estimates suggest that 170 million children and adolescents worldwide are obese. This figure includes 70 million children aged 5 to 9. Obesity prevalence in this specific age group has quadrupled since 1990, rising from 2% to 8%.
In 2024 alone, 35 million children under the age of five were classified as overweight. Obesity significantly increases the risk of various diseases, including type 2 diabetes. The WHO does not oppose drug trials but insists that current clinical practice should prioritize lifestyle modifications.
The organization suggests that some digital technology, such as activity trackers and online games that encourage physical movement, might be useful tools. This advice is based on limited evidence currently available regarding their effectiveness in promoting activity in young children.
For older children and adolescents, the WHO notes that medication or surgery might be appropriate if lifestyle approaches have failed and the individual is mentally and physically prepared for the treatment. However, for the under-10 demographic, the focus remains firmly on non-pharmacological interventions.
Source: BBC
