For several years, the curve for childhood obesity has been fairly stable. However, the use of new drugs is increasing.
Obesity has a major impact on the health of affected children and young people, both in the short and long term. Complications such as fatty liver, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes can develop as early as school age. Children can also suffer from endocrine disorders, such as early puberty with abnormal growth patterns. There is also an increased risk of depression, low self-esteem and social isolation.
Other aspects of life are also affected. A Swedish study showed that obesity is an independent risk factor for not completing upper secondary school. 57 per cent of young people with obesity graduate from upper secondary school, compared with 74 per cent of all upper secondary school students.
Treating obesity has an effect. It reduces the risk of serious complications. A good response to treatment improves risk factors for cardiovascular health, normalises growth patterns and increases the likelihood of graduating. This is shown by studies conducted by Emilia Hagman , who researches epidemiology at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet. She explains what is required:
"Two factors are important for the treatment to be successful. It must start early and have good continuity. Some may need some kind of interaction with healthcare as often as every other week," says Emilia Hagman.
Support for creating good habits
As with adults, the basis of treatment is to provide support for creating structure and habits in food and exercise, with the difference that the whole family must be involved.
"Children do not choose what food is bought and cooked at home, at least not younger children.
In addition, there are medications and obesity surgery. The latter is approved from the age of 15, but only a few undergo surgery, according to the SOReg quality register. However, the curves for children and adolescents taking medication are climbing steeply. In December 2025, just over 1,400 children and adolescents were using an obesity medication.
The new, effective drugs, GLP-1 analogues, have been excluded from high-cost protection, even for children. Families have had to pay for the medicines themselves or apply for special grants, for example from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. Standard children's doses cost just over 2,500 per month. This differs from how paediatric care usually works, says Emilia Hagman:
"Many families cannot afford these drugs. Medicines for children in other areas of healthcare are subsidised."
How common is childhood obesity?
Between five and ten per cent of all children and young people in Sweden are obese, an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 aged between 2 and 19. The prevalence is higher among older schoolchildren. The disease has increased significantly in recent decades but has remained fairly stable for several years.
The disease is chronic. After weight loss, the disease is considered to be dormant. This means that weight-related diseases need to be considered throughout life, even during periods of healthier weight.
Sources: Emilia Hagman, BORIS Quality Register, Public Health Agency of Sweden, and others.
