Health care and long-term care is now more often being taken into account for combating childhood obesity by the World Health Organization (WHO). Childhood obesity has become a big global health concern as the number of children and adolescents in the world is growing.
There are the chances of development of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and so on later in life. GLP-1 receptor agonists have received much attention in recent years for their ability to help people lose weight. So these medicines reduce appetite and slow digestion and make it easier for people to control their diet.
But the growing use of drugs among younger people has also raised questions about the long-term safety and accessibility and whether medication should be the primary treatment for childhood obesity.
Prevention and sustainable lifestyle change is the WHO’s strategy to solve this issue. Parents, schools and communities can encourage children to eat healthy food and be active, and to have sufficient sleep and to develop healthy habits.
And more and more experts have stressed that childhood obesity can’t be solved by one person’s choices.
Children’s eating habits and physical activity levels are determined by their families, schools, neighbourhoods and food environment. WHO’s position also underscores the need for better children’s and families’ environments to have access to healthy food and to encourage physical activity and avoid unhealthy food marketing.
GLP-1 medicines can be useful for children and adolescents with obesity in their care but they are not a substitute for lifestyle and behavioural interventions; they need to be considered. The debate about GLP-1 drugs has become more visible in terms of medicines such as semaglutide or other weight management approaches.
Their popularity among adults has also led to a lively debate about the use of similar treatments in younger populations. But for children, weight management doesn’t look just like reducing some number on a scale.
Healthy growth and development are also important things, and professional medical assessment is a must as they are for any treatment.
The WHO’s focus on lifestyle interventions is part of a larger public-health approach towards prevention and long-term well-being. Healthy habits during childhood can then benefit people long term.
As countries have a record high number of childhood obesity, policymakers and health professionals are expected to focus on tackling the bigger picture and solutions to this problem.
That is healthier school food, exercise and more support for families. And medications (like vaccines) for children who might be able to use them are not ruled out.
So the discussion is about making sure that medicine does not replace healthy habits and support. And it’s where healthcare professionals can help families cope with childhood obesity.
The WHO’s message ultimately puts long-term health, prevention and sustainable lifestyle changes at the heart of the response to childhood obesity.
