Prescriptions of weight-loss drugs to children under 12 are rising, sparking safety debate
A recent study found that 9.3% of US children aged 8 to 11 with obesity but without diabetes are now prescribed GLP-1 medications, up from 0.03% in 2019. A clinical trial by Novo Nordisk reported that 40% of children aged 6 to 12 with severe obesity no longer met obesity criteria after 68 weeks of weekly injections. Experts are divided, citing potential long-term risks versus the dangers of untreated childhood obesity, while off-label use remains common in the US.
The study tracked prescriptions among children aged 8 to 11 with obesity but no diabetes, finding a jump from 0.03% in 2019 to 9.3% recently. Novo Nordisk’s trial reported that 40% of severely obese children aged 6 to 12 no longer met obesity criteria after 68 weeks of weekly injections. Off-label use follows American Academy of Pediatrics guidance, though the drugs are formally approved only for ages 12 and up in the US, UK, and Australia. Families with higher incomes were more likely to receive these prescriptions, as treatment can cost hundreds of dollars monthly.
This trend could reshape pediatric obesity care, offering hope to families where lifestyle changes fail, but it may also widen health inequities if only wealthier children access treatment. Long-term effects on growth, puberty, and bone health remain unknown, so parents and doctors face a difficult trade-off between immediate weight reduction and potential future risks. Society may need clearer guidelines and monitoring to ensure safe, equitable use.