The World Health Organization has released its first-ever global guideline on tackling childhood obesity, urging countries to focus on lifestyle changes rather than weight-loss drugs for children.

For children under 10, the WHO endorsed diet, physical activity and behavioural support instead of medication, citing doubts over safety. For adolescents aged 10 to 19, weight-loss drugs may be considered only after supervised programmes have failed.

UNICEF data cited by the WHO shows obesity has surpassed underweight as the most common form of malnutrition among schoolchildren worldwide. Early action can prevent diabetes and heart disease later in life.

Health experts welcomed the guidance, saying it gives governments a clear playbook. The challenge now is turning the recommendations into policies that reach every child.

The guideline was developed with experts from around the world and is aimed at doctors, schools and policymakers. WHO says countries should adapt the recommendations to local needs.

Paediatricians say parents should focus on habits, not weight, when talking to children about food.