What to Know About the New WHO Recommendations for Childhood Obesity
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist and project plan...
Key Takeaways
- New WHO guidelines recommend focusing on healthy eating, physical activity, sleep and counseling for children with obesity. Weight-loss medications and bariatric surgery are reserved for older children and teens when other interventions are unsuccessful.
- The WHO encourages diets rich in fruits, vegetables and legumes while limiting ultra-processed, high-sugar and high-sodium foods. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep and reduced screen time are also central to obesity prevention and management.
- Obesity increases the risk of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, while also contributing to bullying, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Experts recommend focusing on overall well-being rather than weight alone.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released guidelines for childhood obesity. These new guidelines prioritize lifestyle changes rather than surgery or medications such as GLP-1s.
Obesity has surpassed being underweight in children age 5 to 19, according to the United Nations Children's Fund. Childhood obesity has grown from 2% in 1990 to 8% in 2024. About 170 million children live with obesity worldwide. In the United States, about 20%, of children have obesity, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s up from 5% in the mid-1960s.
Here is a look at the WHO recommendations and how obesity can affect a child’s life.
What does the WHO recommend?
The WHO provides evidence-based recommendations for diet, physical activity, sleep hygiene and counseling for children age 9 and younger.
For children age 10 to 19, the WHO recommends starting with lifestyle changes and considering weight-loss drugs if other interventions do not work. Bariatric surgery should be considered for mature teens with severe obesity only if other treatments don’t work for six months.
While the evidence of specific diets such Keto and Mediterranean on weight loss is limited, the WHO strongly advises a family habit of eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and legumes and reducing ultra-processed, high-sodium and high-sugar foods. This is important to protect against malnutrition and chronic disease.
Getting the appropriate amount of physical activity by age is another of the WHO’s strong recommendations. Playing at the park or recreation areas may be affordable ways children can get exercise. Sleep is another factor. Lack of sleep can correlate to weight gain. Children should get enough sleep by age for their physical and mental health.
Counseling can help children manage low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, anxiety and depression, all of which may contribute to unhealthy eating behaviors.
Causes and treatments for childhood obesity
Obesity is a chronic disease that can increase the risk of other chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and liver disease. Children with obesity are more likely to experience bullying and discrimination, and obesity also increases the risk of anxiety and depression.
Childhood obesity is complex; factors that contribute to childhood obesity include:
- A diet high in ultra-processed foods, including sweetened beverages
- Large portion sizes
- Dining out instead of home-cooked meals
- Lack of physical activity
- Increased screen time
- Limited sleep or lack of quality sleep
- Genetics
- Family behaviors and environmental factors
Managing and preventing obesity are key to the overall physical and mental health of children. As weight and weight loss can be difficult, focusing on a healthy lifestyle can help children and adolescents with their well-being without only focusing on the number on a scale.
Healthy lifestyle practices and habits for children include:
- Eating a nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats, along with limiting sugar and ultra-processed foods.
- Drinking water instead of sugary or sweetened beverages.
- Getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day.
- Getting enough sleep for their age and practicing good sleep hygiene.
- Limiting screen time by age as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- A healthy home environment that puts less emphasis on appearance and more on overall well-being.
Parents who are concerned about their child’s health, including diet and activity levels, can talk to their child’s primary care provider or pediatrician for guidance. Mental health professionals can provide behavioral health support for both children and their caregivers.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is committed to helping people lead healthier lives. A Healthier Michigan offers tips and information about diet, exercise and physical and mental health for people of all ages, including children. We have recipes created by dietitians to offer healthy and delicious meals and nutritious alternatives to favorite dishes.
Photo credit: Getty Images
