New guidance from the World Health Organization recommends against the use of obesity medications and GLP-1 weight-loss injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy in children under age 10, emphasizing that treatment in this age group should center on dietary modifications and physical activity. While most of these medications are formally licensed only for older children and adolescents, some physicians have been prescribing them off-label to younger patients, and pharmaceutical companies are currently conducting clinical trials in children as young as six.
According to WHO leadership, obesity medicines, bariatric surgery, and weight-management devices are not recommended for this younger population. The organization noted that such interventions may be considered appropriate for older children and adolescents in cases where lifestyle-based approaches have proven unsuccessful and when patients are deemed mentally and physically ready for treatment.
WHO officials raised concerns about the potential long-term implications of early initiation of GLP-1 medications in young children, noting that evidence is lacking regarding whether such treatment can be used temporarily before transitioning to dietary approaches later in life. The organization indicated it would continue monitoring emerging evidence in this evolving therapeutic area.
Global data indicates that approximately 170 million children and adolescents worldwide are classified as obese, with 70 million aged 5–9 included in that figure. Obesity prevalence in children aged 5–9 has increased significantly, rising from 2% to 8% since 1990. Additionally, approximately 35 million children under age five were reported as overweight. Obesity in childhood is associated with increased risk of various health conditions, including type 2 diabetes.
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