Prescription of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs rises among U.S. children aged 8-11

Researchers tracking prescription data over 7.5 years observed a notable rise in off-label GLP-1 use for children aged 8-11, even though the drugs are not FDA-approved for patients under 12. During the study period, 20,282 children under 12 were prescribed medications such as Ozempic or Wegovy, which represents a tiny share of the estimated 3.3 million obese children in that age range. The majority of these patients already suffered from obesity-related health problems, including pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, or sleep apnea.

Lead investigator Babak J. Orandi emphasized that the rapid uptake is less concerning than the sheer number of children with obesity. Pediatric experts also raised questions about the long-term effects of GLP-1 drugs on growth and development, noting the lack of extensive safety data for younger patients. Socio-economic disparities were evident, with children in higher-income areas 55 % more likely to receive the medication. Co-author Allan B. Massie called for broader access to these treatments for eligible children regardless of insurance or income.