WHO bans obesity drugs for children under 10

Children under the age of ten should not be prescribed obesity medications or GLP-1 weight-loss injections, according to a new set of global guidelines released by the World Health Organization. This official stance includes popular drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, which have gained widespread attention for their effectiveness in adults. The WHO’s recommendation is explicit and strong, stating that medical intervention through drugs, bariatric surgery, or specialized weight-management devices is not appropriate for this young demographic. This guidance arrives at a critical time, as pharmaceutical companies are actively testing these compounds in children as young as six years old, and some physicians have already begun prescribing them off-label for younger patients. The organization emphasizes that for children under ten, the primary focus of care must remain on foundational lifestyle changes, specifically healthy eating habits and regular physical activity, rather than pharmacological solutions.

The urgency behind these new guidelines is driven by a rapidly worsening global health crisis. Current estimates indicate that one hundred and seventy million children and adolescents worldwide are living with obesity. Among them are seventy million children between the ages of five and nine, a group whose obesity rates have quadrupled since 1990, rising from two percent to eight percent. Furthermore, thirty-five million children under the age of five were classified as overweight in 2024. These rising numbers are alarming because childhood obesity significantly increases the risk of developing serious long-term health conditions, including type 2 diabetes. While the WHO acknowledges that digital tools such as activity trackers or online games that encourage movement may be useful, the evidence for these interventions is currently limited. The organization stresses that the lack of robust data supporting drug use in this age group is the primary driver for their cautious approach.

Dr. Luz De Rigil, the Director of Nutrition and Food Safety at the WHO, clarified that this is a strong recommendation against medical intervention for those under ten. She noted that while these treatments might be considered for older adolescents if lifestyle approaches have failed and the individual is mentally and physically prepared, the same cannot be said for younger children. Laurence Grummer-Strawn, the WHO’s head of Nutrition and Food Safety Actions, expressed deep concern about the long-term implications of early drug use. He questioned when the treatment would stop, noting that there is no evidence suggesting these medications can be used as a temporary fix before transitioning to dietary management later in life. The WHO remains open to drug trials but insists on waiting for clear evidence before recommending widespread use. The organization commits to continuing its evaluation of the field as new data emerges, prioritizing the safety and long-term well-being of the world’s youngest patients.