Childhood obesity in Cyprus. One in five nine-year-olds is obese.

Childhood obesity in Cyprus affects 20% of nine-year-olds, and as many as 25% of boys, according to the European COSI study for 2022–2024. Meanwhile, the WHO has published new recommendations for the treatment of children and adolescents. These include medication in certain cases and, in cases of severe obesity, surgery.

However, proper nutrition, physical activity, and support for the entire family remain the foundation. The WHO does not recommend anti-obesity drugs or surgery for children under 10 years of age. In the 10-19 age group, additional treatment may be considered under strict conditions. This does not mean that every drug is approved from the age of ten—the indications and age limits of a specific drug are important. who.int

Childhood obesity in Cyprus - disturbing results

Cyprus ranks highest on the COSI rankings for childhood obesity. The island's study analyzed nine-year-olds.

The result for both genders was 20 percent Among the boys it was 25 percent, while among girls 15 percent

The data pertain to obesity, not the entire group of children with excess body weight. Overweight, which also includes obesity, is a broader category, so these indicators should not be used interchangeably.

Cyprus was followed in the ranking by Greece with 18%, and Italy and Malta with 17%. However, the comparison requires caution: different countries surveyed children at different ages. In Cyprus, the children were nine years old, while in many other countries, the children were seven or eight years old.

WHO data - COSI study

Obesity among nine-year-olds in Cyprus

20%

All children in the study group of nine-year-olds.

25%

Boys — every fourth nine-year-old.

15%

Girls aged nine.

Data for 2022–2024. Indicators refer to obesity, not overweight and obesity.

New WHO recommendations on treatment

The World Health Organization has presented new guidelines October 7, 2026These include comprehensive care for children and adolescents with obesity.

The WHO considers obesity a chronic disease with the potential for recurrence. Therefore, treatment requires long-term support and should not be assessed solely by weight.

The change also has implications for families in Cyprus. The COSI results show the scale of the problem among children, while we previously reported on CyprNews data for adults.

Medication and surgery under strict conditions

For children up to and including nine years of age, WHO does not recommend anti-obesity drug therapy, bariatric surgery or weight reduction devices.

In adolescents aged 10–19, approved medications may be considered if a supervised lifestyle modification program has failed to achieve the desired results. Pharmacotherapy should be part of a broader care approach.

The age range covered by the guidelines is not an automatic indication for the use of a specific drug. The physician must take into account his or her admission, the patient's age and individual health situation.

In severe cases of obesity, the WHO also considers bariatric surgery. This requires appropriate assessment and meeting strict criteria.

Mental health is part of care

Children with obesity may experience ridicule, discrimination, and peer violence. Therefore, they also need emotional support.

Parents and professionals should pay attention to their child's well-being, relationships, and daily functioning. Discussing health shouldn't be limited to criticizing appearance.

What does this mean for parents in Cyprus?

The new WHO guidelines do not automatically change the reimbursement rules or the availability of treatment in the Cypriot health system.

Parents concerned about their child's development can begin by consulting a pediatrician. The assessment should take into account age, growth, health, and family needs.

Globally, in 2024, approximately 170 million children and adolescents aged 5–19The WHO emphasizes that counteracting this problem also requires action outside the office: in schools, in children's environments, and through access to healthy food and exercise. who.int

Sources: WHO, WHO Europe - COSI study, Philenews.