WHO Issues Global Guidelines Warning Against Obesity Drugs for Children Under 10
· World · BBC News, Indian Express
The World Health Organization has released new global guidelines advising against the use of obesity drugs and GLP-1 weight-loss injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy in children under 10. While these medications are largely licensed only for older adolescents, some physicians prescribe them off-label, and drug manufacturers are testing them in children as young as six. WHO officials recommend that care for young children focus strictly on healthy eating and physical activity rather than medicine or surgery. Estimates indicate that 170 million children and adolescents worldwide are obese, including 70 million aged 5 to 9, with prevalence in this group quadrupling since 1990. WHO representatives noted a lack of evidence regarding whether these treatments can be used temporarily before transitioning to dietary management later in life.
Why it matters
The guidelines establish global medical boundaries for treating childhood obesity, protecting young children from premature pharmacological interventions while steering healthcare focus toward lifestyle changes.
Read the original report — BBC News
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