Weight-Loss Drug Prescriptions Soar Among U.S. Children, Study Finds
Summary
A new study found that prescriptions for weight-loss drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists have increased rapidly among U.S. children aged 8 to 11 with obesity, even though no such drugs are officially approved for this age group. Doctors mostly prescribe these drugs to children with severe obesity and related health problems, while lifestyle changes are still the recommended first step.Key Facts
- The study tracked prescriptions from 2019 to 2026 for children aged 8 to 11 with obesity but no diabetes.
- Prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs rose from 0.03% in 2019 to 9.3% in 2026 among eligible children.
- Only 0.6% of the 3.52 million children studied had ever received a GLP-1 drug prescription.
- No obesity medications are FDA-approved for children under 12, though doctors can consider them in some cases.
- Nearly 94% of children prescribed these drugs had severe obesity, compared to 52% of those not prescribed.
- Children with complications like prediabetes and high blood pressure were more likely to receive these prescriptions.
- Girls and older children were prescribed these drugs more often than boys and younger children.
- Children from less vulnerable, more advantaged communities were more likely to get prescriptions, showing possible access differences.
- Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise remain the primary treatment; medications are considered an additional option.
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