Researchers at NYU Langone Health analyzed data from over 300 million patients, finding that 20,282 children between ages 8 and 11 were prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists between 2019 and 2026. Although clinical guidelines permit these treatments for children as young as 8, the uptake is significantly higher among adolescents aged 12 to 17. Most children receiving the medication presented with severe obesity and at least one related complication, such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea.
GLP-1 Prescriptions for Young Children Rise 310-Fold Since 2019
Prescriptions for weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound among children under 12 remain rare, yet a new study reveals a 310-fold increase in use since 2019. While absolute numbers stay low, the rapid adoption of these drugs for young patients is reshaping pediatric obesity treatment across the United States.
Lead investigator Dr. Babak J. Orandi emphasized that while the surge is notable, the drugs remain a targeted tool for managing the obesity epidemic. The study also highlighted a socioeconomic divide: children in higher-income communities were 55 percent more likely to receive these prescriptions than their peers. Co-senior author Dr. Allan B. Massie warned that current patterns suggest a growing disparity in access, urging policy-makers to ensure these treatments reach all children in need, rather than only those with premium insurance and specialized clinic access.
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