GLP-1 Use Among Young Children With Obesity in US Remains Rare but Is Rising Rapidly
While the number of US children under age 12 with obesity prescribed GLP-1 weight loss drugs remains low, it has risen significantly since 2019.
The use of GLP-1 agonists, including drugs like Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound, among US children under 12 with obesity remains uncommon, but has seen a substantial increase. By June 2026, these medications were prescribed 310 times more frequently than in 2019, when their use initially began.
This rapid rise prompts questions regarding the safety and appropriateness of these drugs for the youngest patient populations, for whom they were not initially intended. Pharmaceutical companies have only in recent years begun to research and seek approval for the use of these medications in children.
Industry experts emphasize the need for further research and oversight. While managing obesity is crucial even at a young age, the long-term effects of GLP-1 drugs in children are not yet fully understood. Clinicians and parents therefore stress the importance of considering alternative treatments, such as lifestyle modifications and nutritional counseling.
The growth reflects a broader trend of increasing childhood obesity and a growing demand for effective treatment methods. Regulatory bodies are closely monitoring the situation, continuously evaluating new research findings to determine how these potent medications can be safely utilized for children.