Weight Loss Drugs for Kids? What Parents Need to Understand About GLP-1s

GLP-1 medications have changed the game for adults managing obesity and type 2 diabetes. But increasingly, families of younger children, even those 14 and under, are asking about these drugs and whether they’re safe or appropriate for kids.

At Legacy Community Health, we want to help families understand this complex topic by sharing what medical experts currently understand about GLP-1 use in youth, how it affects their health and self-image, and what questions parents should consider.

Understanding GLP-1 Medications and How They Work

GLP-1 medications are designed to help regulate two important things in the body: appetite and blood sugar. They were originally created to treat adults with type 2 diabetes, but doctors soon noticed they also helped with weight management. This has made them popular for adults struggling with obesity as well.

When it comes to kids – especially those under 14 – research is still ongoing. Medical experts are carefully studying how these medications affect young bodies, their growth, and overall health before widely recommending their use in this age group.

The Rise in Use Among Youth

According to a 2024 article from AAMCNews, prescriptions for GLP-1 medications have surged by 700% among youth from 2022 to 2024, with pediatric bariatric surgeries also rising.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its guidelines in 2023 to recommend weight-loss medications for children 12 and older with obesity and consideration of surgery for those 13 and older with severe obesity. This is a shift from earlier “watchful waiting” approaches.

Are GLP-1s Safe for Children Under 14?

Currently, there is limited research on GLP-1 safety and effectiveness for children under 14. Most clinical trials and FDA approvals focus on adolescents 12 and older with obesity or related health complications (such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure).

Experts like Dr. Vibha Singhal, a pediatric obesity specialist at UCLA, emphasize that while these medications can lead to significant weight loss and improved health in teens, long-term effects, especially in younger children, are still unknown.

As with any medication decision, families must carefully consider both risks and benefits. While we’re still learning about the long-term effects of GLP-1 use in younger patients, we do know that treating childhood obesity offers significant health advantages.

Obesity in children and adolescents can lead to serious health complications with lasting effects, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, liver disease, and sleep apnea. Treating obesity can help reverse or prevent these complications from developing, which is an important factor when weighing treatment options.

Thinking About Mental and Emotional Health

For many young teens, the pressure from social media and peers can make them feel worse about their appearance and affect their mental health. Starting appetite-suppressing meds at a young age can also impact how children relate to food and their own bodies, so it’s natural for parents to have questions about the mental health effects of these medications.

Here’s what the research tells us: In a study that looked at semaglutide in adolescents and teens, patients taking the medication actually had fewer psychiatric effects compared to those taking a placebo. That’s encouraging – though there have still been some reports of anxiety in teens using these medications.

Parents should also know that in adults, there have been rare reports of suicidal thoughts or actions while on GLP-1 medications. Researchers haven’t found a direct link to the medication, but if you notice any concerning mental health changes in your child, reach out to your provider right away.

The relationship between weight and mental health goes both ways. Kids struggling with obesity often deal with stress, feeling down, and not feeling good about themselves. And unfortunately, these feelings can make things worse – leading to comfort eating, less interest in being active, more screen time, and trouble sleeping, which can all contribute to more weight gain. It’s a tough cycle.

Don’t wait to talk to your child’s health care provider if they are struggling. There are counselors, support groups, and other resources that can really help.

Why GLP-1s Are Just One Part of the Story

Experts warn that GLP-1s are typically long-term treatments. Weight often returns after stopping the medication, indicating the need for ongoing lifestyle support, including healthy eating and physical activity. Parents should understand that GLP-1s are not quick fixes but part of a chronic disease management plan.

Currently, only two GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved for weight loss in adolescents and children: liraglutide and semaglutide. Studies are underway for other GLP-1s to demonstrate effectiveness and safety in this patient population, so there may be more options available in the future.

One thing to consider is that most insurance plans do not cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss, and these medications can be very expensive. However, if your child has concurrent diabetes, your insurance may cover a formulation that is approved for diabetes management.

How Legacy Community Health Supports Your Family

At Legacy, we’re committed to caring for each patient with kindness and a full understanding of their unique physical and emotional needs. While GLP-1 medications can help some teens, kids under 14 need extra caution and should only be considered for these treatments under close medical supervision.

If your child is prescribed a GLP-1 medication, our pharmacists are here to help you use it safely and effectively. Since these are typically injections – which can feel intimidating – our pharmacists provide hands-on guidance, walking you through how and where to inject, what side effects to expect, and how the dosing works. This personalized support helps families feel confident throughout the treatment journey.

Our team of pediatric specialists, clinical pharmacists, and mental health professionals work together to provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of childhood obesity.

Whether you’re exploring treatment options or simply have questions, we’re here at www.legacycommunityhealth.org to support your family every step of the way. Because when it comes to your child’s health, you deserve a partner who sees the whole picture, not just the numbers on a scale.

 

References

1. Daniel Weghuber, Timothy Barrett, Margarita Barrientos-Pérez, Inge Gies, Dan Hesse, Ole K. Jeppesen, Aaron S. Kelly, Lucy D. Mastrandrea, Rasmus Sørrig, and Silva Arslanian; Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adolescents with Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;387(24):2245-2257. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2208601
2. Wegovy. Package insert. Novo Nordisk, 2023.
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4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024, January 11). Update on FDA’s ongoing evaluation of reports of suicidal thoughts or actions in patients taking a certain type of medicines approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity: Preliminary evaluation does not suggest a causal link [Drug Safety Communication]. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/update-fdas-ongoing-evaluation-reports-suicidal-thoughts-or-actions-patients-taking-certain-type
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