Parents Turn to GLP-1 Drugs to Treat Obesity and Health Risks in Their Children
Facing weight-related health problems, families in the U.S. are prescribing GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound to their children, a practice that remains uncommon but is gaining attention.
Parents confronting severe obesity and associated conditions in their children are increasingly opting for GLP-1 medications, once reserved for adults, to manage weight and health risks. Jenna Ceriani from the Boston area described how her son’s excess weight led to exclusion from a middle-school football league and ongoing confidence issues, prompting the family to seek treatment at the virtual clinic Hey Nouri, where both her son and daughter now use Wegovy.
Pediatric experts such as Dr. Anna Trepekli and Dr. Shaista Safder emphasize that the drugs target metabolic dysfunction and early organ damage, offering a chance to establish better nutrition and activity patterns. Yet a JAMA Pediatrics study of over two million obese adolescents showed prescription rates below 1 %, hindered by expense and insurance coverage. Some physicians, including Dr. Amanda Kahn, warn that the impact on hormonal development and reward pathways in children remains insufficiently studied. While families report improved confidence and reduced preoccupation with food, the practice continues to spark debate on safety, ethics, and the role of medication in childhood obesity treatment.
Why it matters
The story highlights a growing, controversial use of adult weight-loss drugs in children, raising questions about safety, access and how society addresses pediatric obesity.
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