Prescriptions for GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have surged among children aged 8 to 11, increasing by 310 times between 2019 and June 2026, according to a study by NYU Langone published in September 2026. While this percentage increase is significant, the total number of children receiving these prescriptions remains relatively low, with just over 20,000 children in this age group prescribed the drugs during the 7.5-year study period.
These medications are not FDA-approved for individuals under 12, but physicians can prescribe them off-label in select cases. Approximately one in five children in the United States experience obesity. Lead investigator Dr. Babak J. Orandi noted that the 20,282 prescriptions represent a small fraction of the estimated 3.3 million children in this age range with obesity in the U.S. "While the number receiving treatment is very small, uptake is accelerating quickly," Orandi stated.
Orandi emphasized that the primary concern is not the increasing use of GLP-1 drugs but the underlying prevalence of childhood obesity and its complications. The study found that most children prescribed these medications already had obesity-related health issues, such as prediabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, or sleep apnea. "The concern isn’t that more children are being treated; rather, it’s that so many need to be, so many already have complications of obesity," he said.
GLP-1 drugs can help manage weight and improve blood sugar regulation, potentially reducing the long-term risk of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. However, questions remain about the long-term effects of these medications on children during critical developmental periods. Pediatrician Dan Cooper expressed concern about potential impacts on growth, bone development, and puberty, noting that current studies on long-term effects in adolescents are limited.
Despite the rapid increase in prescriptions, many children who could benefit from these medications are not receiving them. The study also indicated a disparity in access, with young children in upper-income communities being 55% more likely to receive GLP-1 medications compared to those in lower-income areas. Allan B. Massie, a co-senior author of the study, stressed the importance of ensuring these medications are accessible to all children who need them, not just those with adequate health insurance and access to specialized clinics.