GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Approved for Children Amid Rising U.S. Childhood Obesity Rates

1-Minute Brief

The approval and use of GLP-1 drugs for children reflects growing efforts to address increasing obesity rates among U.S. youth.

Key Facts

• The FDA has approved GLP-1 drugs for weight loss in children aged 12 and older.
• Approximately 21 percent of U.S. children between ages two and 19 have obesity, according to CDC data.
• Some reports state that children as young as six are being prescribed weight-loss drugs to address obesity.
• Insurance coverage for GLP-1 weight loss medications can be difficult to obtain, even with a prescription.
• Dr. Rachel Pessah-Pollack has discussed the risks, benefits, and candidate criteria for pediatric GLP-1 drug use.

What Happened

GLP-1 drugs have received FDA approval for weight loss in children 12 and older, with some reports indicating use in younger children, as part of efforts to address rising childhood obesity rates in the U.S.

Why It Matters

The use of GLP-1 drugs in children marks a significant development in pediatric obesity treatment, raising questions about access, safety, and long-term effects as obesity rates reach record highs. Reports vary on the youngest age at which children are being prescribed GLP-1 drugs; FDA approval is for ages 12 and older, but some sources report use in children as young as six.

What's Next

Further discussion is expected regarding insurance coverage, appropriate age for use, and ongoing evaluation of the risks and benefits of GLP-1 drugs for children.