The use of GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, once primarily for adults with obesity, is expanding to pediatric use, sparking both enthusiasm from parents and concern among some medical professionals.
Parents are turning to these drugs for children facing significant health challenges linked to weight, including sleep apnea, metabolic dysfunction, and pre-diabetes. For some, like Jenna Ceriani of the Boston area, the decision followed years of frustration with limited treatment options for her son, who was too heavy to play in his local football league and experienced bullying. After conventional methods failed, Ceriani sought a GLP-1 prescription for her son and daughter, hoping to address health issues before they become lifelong burdens.
Dr. Anna Trepekli, co-founder of the virtual pediatric obesity clinic Hey Nouri, argues that childhood obesity is a complex medical condition, not just a lifestyle issue. She views GLP-1s as a "window of opportunity" to help children develop healthier habits through a combination of medication, nutrition, exercise, and behavioral support. Similarly, Dr. Shaista Safder, a pediatric obesity specialist at Orlando Health, supports early intervention for conditions like fatty liver disease that can arise in childhood and progress to irreversible damage.
Another parent, who asked to be identified as Angela, sought treatment for her daughter’s compulsive thoughts about food and emerging metabolic concerns, including a lack of menstruation during puberty. After six weeks on Wegovy, Angela reported that her daughter's preoccupation with food lessened, suggesting the medication could help jump-start healthier behaviors. Angela's own positive experience with a GLP-1 for weight loss further informed her decision.
Growing Concerns and Backlash
Despite these positive accounts, pediatric GLP-1 use remains controversial and relatively rare, though experts anticipate its growth. Yale researchers estimate that nearly 17 million adolescents and young adults in the U.S. aged 12 to 25 could be eligible for GLP-1 therapy. However, a study in JAMA Pediatrics found fewer than 1% of adolescents with obesity had received a prescription, often due to cost and insurance barriers.
Concerns about the long-term effects on development and puberty are central to the debate. Dr. Amanda Kahn, a longevity medicine doctor who prescribes GLP-1s to adults, expressed reservations about administering these drugs to a developing population. She highlighted the medications' impact on dopamine and reward pathways, questioning potential effects on a child's emotional affect, especially during the heightened self-consciousness of puberty.
The expanding use has also drawn criticism on social media, with some parents accused of prioritizing cosmetic weight loss over a child's well-being or contributing to diet culture. Physicians who advocate for caution emphasize that the long-term impacts on hormone development and overall biology in children are not yet fully understood.
Parents who have pursued GLP-1 treatment for their children often report significant improvements in their child's quality of life and confidence. Ceriani noted her son's improved awareness of hunger cues and even his ability to transition off ADD medication. Angela hopes the medication will help her daughter build confidence that matches her inner self, acknowledging the unknowns but also the known consequences of untreated childhood obesity.