Geneva: The World Health Organization has issued new recommendations aimed at strengthening the global response to childhood and adolescent obesity, placing greater emphasis on healthy lifestyles, nutrition, physical activity and professional support.

The recommendations come as excess weight among children and teenagers becomes an increasingly important public-health concern in many parts of the world. Health experts are focusing on prevention and long-term management rather than relying solely on medical treatments.

Under the new approach, children and adolescents living with obesity should receive support that addresses several aspects of health at the same time. This includes improvements in diet, regular physical activity and appropriate behavioural or psychological counselling.

The WHO has stressed that obesity is influenced by a combination of individual, family, social and environmental factors. As a result, simply telling young people to lose weight may not be sufficient to achieve lasting improvements.

Families can play an important role in creating healthier daily routines. Encouraging nutritious meals, reducing excessive consumption of highly processed foods and supporting regular physical activity can contribute to healthier development.

Schools are also important because children spend a significant portion of their day in educational environments. Access to healthier food choices and opportunities for physical activity can support broader public-health goals.

The WHO’s recommendations also address the growing use of weight-management medicines. For adolescents aged 10 to 19, medication may be considered in certain circumstances when supervised lifestyle interventions do not produce sufficient results.

However, medical treatment should not replace broader health support. Healthcare professionals need to assess each young person’s circumstances and determine whether medication is appropriate.

The organisation’s approach reflects concerns that obesity during childhood can continue into adulthood and may be associated with an increased risk of several chronic health conditions.

Early intervention can therefore be important. Supporting healthy habits during childhood may reduce future health risks while also improving physical and emotional well-being.

The recommendations also highlight the importance of avoiding stigma. Children living with obesity can face bullying and discrimination, which may negatively affect their mental and social well-being.

Healthcare workers are encouraged to provide respectful, age-appropriate care and to involve families in decisions about treatment and lifestyle changes.

Governments also have a role in creating environments that make healthy choices easier. Policies related to food marketing, school nutrition, urban planning and access to recreational spaces can influence children’s daily behaviour.

The WHO’s latest guidance therefore places childhood obesity within a broader public-health framework rather than treating it only as an individual medical problem.

As countries develop strategies to address rising obesity rates, the combination of prevention, healthy environments, professional support and carefully selected medical interventions is expected to remain an important part of the global response.