# The Rising Use of Weight-Loss Drugs in Children and Teens Exploring the impact and unknowns of GLP-1 medications for pediatric obesity. - **Source:** [Gizmodo](https://brifing.si/source/63382431-cef0-4c41-883e-2f88dc21351e) - **Published:** 2026-09-12 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8a913f41-e76a-4f51-ad24-77e6e7abb68d ## Introduction to GLP-1 Drugs GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have revolutionized obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment. Originally approved for adults, these medications are increasingly prescribed off-label for children and teens. Their effectiveness in weight management has led to a surge in usage, despite limited long-term data on pediatric populations. The trend reflects a growing need to address childhood obesity, which affects over 20% of U.S. adolescents. ## Rising Prescription Rates Recent studies show a significant increase in GLP-1 prescriptions for children aged 8-11, rising from 0.6% in 2019 to higher percentages annually. Teens and young adults also show similar trends. This uptick coincides with rising obesity rates—21% of children aged 6-11 and 22% of adolescents are obese. Novo Nordisk's trial data revealed 40% of children aged 6-12 no longer met obesity criteria after 68 weeks of semaglutide treatment, highlighting its potential efficacy. ## Off-Label Use and Approvals While semaglutide is approved for children over 12, younger age groups often receive it off-label. Novo Nordisk seeks approval for broader pediatric use, and Eli Lilly's tirzepatide is only approved for those over 18. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends GLP-1s for childhood obesity, but other groups, like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, remain cautious due to insufficient long-term data. This disparity reflects ongoing debates about pediatric drug safety. ## Demographics and Prescribing Patterns A study at Children’s Health in Dallas found 7% of GLP-1 prescriptions were for children under 11, often those with severe obesity or type 2 diabetes. Many patients come from Medicaid-covered families, dispelling myths that these treatments are only for affluent groups. Pediatricians increasingly prescribe GLP-1s off-label for high-risk cases, suggesting a shift toward proactive obesity management despite limited guidelines. ## Unanswered Questions Key unknowns remain: What happens when children stop GLP-1s? Do they switch medications, face side effects, or regain weight? Cost and accessibility also pose challenges, as Medicaid covers many patients. Researchers emphasize the need for precision obesity care—tailoring treatments to individual needs. Emerging drugs like tirzepatide and retatrutide may offer alternatives, but their pediatric approval and long-term effects are still uncertain. ## Clinical Observations Doctors report prescribing tirzepatide when earlier drugs fail, indicating a trial-and-error approach. Many pediatric patients have class 2 or 3 obesity or related conditions like hypertension. Referrals to specialists often follow elevated BMI readings during routine check-ups. This pattern underscores the complexity of pediatric obesity, where GLP-1s are seen as a promising but imperfect solution amid limited options. ## Safety Net Hospitals and Access Safety net hospitals, like Children’s Health in Dallas, serve a high percentage of Medicaid patients (64%), highlighting that GLP-1 use isn’t limited to wealthy families. These institutions often handle complex cases referred from community providers. The trend suggests broader accessibility but also raises questions about equity and long-term affordability, especially if patients discontinue treatment due to cost. ## Long-Term Effects and Concerns The long-term impact of GLP-1s on children’s growth, metabolism, and mental health remains unclear. Some experts worry about off-label use outpacing research, particularly for younger age groups. While short-term results are promising, the lack of data on decades-long use complicates risk assessments. Parents and doctors must weigh immediate benefits against potential unknown consequences. ## Comparative Effectiveness Semaglutide and tirzepatide show varying efficacy, with some children responding better to one over the other. This variability fuels interest in precision medicine—matching patients to optimal therapies. However, cycling between drugs or combining them with bariatric surgery (for teens 13+) introduces additional complexities. The field is evolving rapidly, with new drugs like retatrutide on the horizon. ## Ethical and Practical Dilemmas Prescribing GLP-1s to children raises ethical questions: Is early intervention justified, or does it medicalize a preventable condition? Practical barriers include cost, insurance coverage, and adherence. Some families discontinue treatment due to side effects or financial strain, leaving gaps in care. These challenges highlight the need for comprehensive obesity strategies beyond pharmacotherapy. ## Future Directions Researchers advocate for more pediatric trials to fill knowledge gaps. Upcoming drugs like tirzepatide and retatrutide could expand options, but their approval hinges on robust data. Meanwhile, doctors emphasize lifestyle interventions alongside medications. The goal is a balanced approach—harnessing GLP-1s’ benefits while mitigating risks through ongoing monitoring and tailored care plans. ## Conclusion and Implications The rise of GLP-1s in pediatric obesity care marks a pivotal shift, offering hope amid an escalating health crisis. Yet, unanswered questions about long-term safety, equity, and optimal use underscore the need for caution. As prescriptions grow, so does the urgency for rigorous research and holistic strategies to ensure these drugs benefit all children, not just those with access to cutting-edge care. ## Sources covering this story - https://gizmodo.com/what-do-we-actually-know-about-kids-on-weight-loss-drugs-2000810701 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._