00:00More than 70 million children, aged 5 to 9, are now obese worldwide.
00:04This figure has quadrupled since 1990, rising from 2% to 8% in that age group.
00:10Such a rise increases risks of serious health problems early in life, including type 2 diabetes.
00:17The World Health Organization, the UN's health agency, says obesity drugs like Munjaro and
00:22Wegovi should not be given to children under 10. These medicines are mostly licensed for older kids.
00:28But some doctors prescribe them off-label, and drug companies are testing them in children
00:33as young as 6. WHO recommends focusing on healthy eating and exercise instead of medicine or
00:40surgery for young children. WHO's director of nutrition, Luz de Regil, said,
00:44For children under 10, WHO does not recommend obesity medicines, bariatric surgery, or weight
00:51management devices. The agency says drug treatments might suit older children if lifestyle changes
00:56fail, and they are ready. WHO will keep reviewing the evidence as this field evolves to protect
01:03children's health. Disclosure. This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced
01:08using AI-assisted tools.
