The World Health Organization (WHO) releases new global guidance on treating childhood and adolescent obesity, stating that weight-loss injections are safe for some teenagers living with obesity. The guidance is part of the first set of recommendations aimed specifically at the management of obesity in children and adolescents worldwide.
The WHO advises clinicians to focus on non-medicinal approaches for younger children. BBC reports that the guidelines recommend against using obesity drugs for children under 10, emphasizing healthy eating and physical activity instead. Meanwhile, The Telegraph reports that the WHO’s position includes weight-loss jabs as an option for obese teenagers, reflecting evidence-based safety and treatment considerations.
Overall, the outlets describe the WHO’s effort to set age-based thresholds for when medicines may be considered, with lifestyle interventions serving as the primary strategy for younger age groups.
