Use of GLP-1 obesity drugs in U.S. children under 12 surges dramatically

Researchers examined 300 million electronic health records and discovered that prescriptions of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs to children aged 8-11 have jumped 300-fold since 2019, reaching over 20,000 cases. Although the FDA has approved GLP-1s like Saxenda and Wegovy only for patients 12-17, physicians are legally prescribing them off-label to younger children with severe obesity and comorbidities such as high blood pressure or cholesterol.

Girls are prescribed the medication more often, reflecting higher obesity rates among females. Specialists argue the drugs could curb the development of diabetes, hypertension and liver disease, yet acknowledge the lack of long-term pediatric data. Ongoing clinical trials aim to evaluate safety in children as young as six, and a separate 2024 study from the University of Minnesota reported Saxenda’s safety in that age group. Researchers stress the need to ensure access for all severely affected children.