Objective: This study examines the representations of the management of childhood obesity and their therapeutic and psychosocial implications in Abidjan.

Methodology: This was a qualitative study conducted from 21 December 2020 to 31 March 2021 with 67 children and adolescents with obesity in the Nutrition Department of the National Institute of Public Health in Abidjan. A semi-directive interview and a medical record summary form were used to collect the data.

Results: The data collected, processed by Pearson's Chi-square of independence, and the results obtained, interpreted in the light of Herzlich's theory of social representations (1969), indicate that these children and adolescents were of both sexes, with a female predominance. They were all in school and their ages ranged from 6 to 18 years. Their perceptions of their care were positive in 05.97% and negative in 94.03%. The former had been able to comply with dietary restrictions and regular physical activity and had good relations with their family and friends, whereas 91.04% of the latter had not managed to do so, with 10.44% of cases of abandonment reported. 34.33% of them developed antisocial behaviour such as stealing food or money to buy food, lying, hetero-aggression and conflicts with siblings and/or parents.

Conclusion: Adherence to the management of childhood obesity requires consideration of the representations of the children and adolescents concerned.