Increasing Use of Weight-Loss Drugs in Young Children Examined

New research indicates a surge in prescriptions of weight-loss drugs, typically meant for adults, now being given to young children. A team led by New York University scientists studied prescription trends for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). These medications, which include Wegovy, Saxenda, and Zepbound, are prescribed to U.S. children aged 8 to 11 with obesity, excluding those with diabetes.

The researchers utilized data from over 3.5 million children within the Epic Cosmos electronic health record system, charting prescriptions from January 2019 to June 2026. Their findings were significant. The proportion of GLP-1 prescriptions increased from a mere 0.03 percent in 2019 to 9.3 percent in 2026, signaling a 310-fold growth. Despite this rise, only 0.6 percent of the study’s 3.52 million children had received such a prescription.

This increase occurs amidst growing attention towards GLP-1 drugs for obesity treatment. While some of these medications have FDA approval for adolescents over 12, no obesity drugs have been approved for children under 12, though guidelines allow for their use in specific younger cases. The study suggests these drugs are reserved mostly for children facing major health challenges. Young patients receiving GLP-1 treatments exhibited more severe obesity and related health conditions compared to those who did not. Nearly 94 percent of children on the drug suffered from severe obesity, opposed to about 52 percent of non-users.

Dr. Babak J. Orandi, an obesity medicine expert at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, advises that lifestyle interventions should initiate treatment. “Diet, physical activity, and behavioral support lay the groundwork,” Orandi commented. “GLP-1s should complement, not replace, other measures.” He suggests considering drug intervention when obesity-related complications arise, or if lifestyle changes fall short. “If improvements are lacking, or a weight-related issue emerges, it’s prudent for parents to consult their pediatrician,” Orandi recommended.

Children with obesity-related issues also saw higher prescription rates. Highest among those with prediabetes, followed by hypertension, liver disease, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. Prescription patterns varied among different demographic groups. Older children were more frequently prescribed these drugs over younger ones. Girls received them more than boys. Moreover, children from less socially vulnerable areas had higher prescription rates, hinting at access inequities in obesity treatments. The authors warned that their study relied on electronic health records. These records do not confirm whether drugs were dispensed or taken long-term.

Uncertainty lingers on the long-term effects of these medications in children. “Initial data seems reassuring, but extended follow-up is crucial for clarifying risks and benefits,” remarked Orandi. Any potential risks must be measured against the proven harms of untreated childhood obesity. These include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, sleep apnea, joint problems, and increased risk of early death. “Notably, children who achieve a healthy weight by adulthood align in cardiometabolic risks with peers who never experienced obesity,” Orandi concluded. “This reversibility supports treatment.”