A Troubling Trend: Childhood Obesity and Medication
Childhood obesity is a growing concern, and the rise in medication use highlights a critical health issue. While the curve for childhood obesity has stabilized over the years, the increasing reliance on new drugs is a cause for alarm. Obesity has profound effects on children's health, both immediately and in the long run. Complications such as fatty liver, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes can manifest at a young age, even during school years. Additionally, endocrine disorders like early puberty with abnormal growth patterns are common. The impact extends beyond physical health, affecting mental well-being and social interactions, with increased risks of depression, low self-esteem, and social isolation.
But here's where it gets controversial... Obesity also influences educational outcomes. A Swedish study revealed that obesity is an independent risk factor for not completing upper secondary school. Only 57% of obese young people graduate from upper secondary school, compared to 74% of their peers. This statistic is a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of obesity.
Treating obesity is crucial, and it can make a significant difference. Studies by Emilia Hagman, an epidemiologist at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, show that effective treatment reduces the risk of serious complications. A positive response to treatment improves cardiovascular health, normalizes growth patterns, and increases the likelihood of academic success. Hagman emphasizes that early intervention and consistent support are key to successful treatment.
Support for Creating Healthy Habits
As with adults, treating obesity in children involves creating structure and healthy habits around food and exercise. However, the unique aspect is the involvement of the entire family. Children, especially younger ones, have little control over the food choices available at home. This makes family support crucial.
And this is the part most people miss... There are also medical interventions and obesity surgery. While surgery is approved for adolescents aged 15 and above, it is rarely utilized, according to the SOReg quality register. Instead, the use of obesity medication is on the rise. In December 2025, over 1,400 children and adolescents were taking obesity medication. The new GLP-1 analogues, effective but expensive, have been excluded from high-cost protection, leaving families to pay out of pocket or apply for special grants.
The Cost Barrier
Emilia Hagman highlights the financial burden: "Many families cannot afford these drugs. Medicines for children in other areas of healthcare are subsidized." This disparity in healthcare funding is a significant barrier to accessing treatment.
How Widespread is Childhood Obesity?
In Sweden, between 5% and 10% of children and young people, an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 aged 2 to 19, are obese. The prevalence is higher among older schoolchildren. While the disease has increased significantly in recent decades, it has stabilized in recent years.
A Chronic Condition
Obesity is a chronic disease. Even after weight loss, the disease is considered dormant, meaning weight-related health issues must be monitored throughout life, regardless of current weight.
Sources: Emilia Hagman, BORIS Quality Register, Public Health Agency of Sweden, and others.
