Teen Weight Loss Surge: Rise of Wegovy, Ozempic, GLP-1 Drugs Among Youth

The use of obesity medications, like GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, is on the rise for teen weight loss. The recent analysis reveals that kids and young adults in America have seemingly increased the use of GLP-1 drugs for obesity medication.

Surge in Teen Weight Loss Medication Use

The recent study on the rise of wegovy and ozempic use reveals that the dispensing records from nearly 94% of U.S. retail pharmacies from 2020 to 2023 reveal a dramatic rise in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists among individuals aged 12 to 25.

Published in the journal JAMA, the study led by Dr. Joyce Lee of the University of Michigan highlights a nearly 600% increase in monthly prescriptions for this age group, soaring from about 8,700 in 2020 to over 60,000 in 2023.

"What it's suggesting is that it's one of the tools in the toolbox, and there are more providers prescribing this medication for the population," said Dr. Lee, a pediatrician and diabetes expert.

Despite this surge, the number of young people using these drugs remains a fraction of those struggling with obesity. According to the CDC, about 20% of U.S. children and adolescents and 42% of adults suffer from this chronic condition.

Addressing the Obesity Crisis in Youth

In early 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended early and aggressive treatment for children and teens with obesity, including the use of surgery and medication if necessary.

At just 17, Israel McKenzie faced a daunting struggle with obesity, which led him to withdraw from in-person high school and avoid interactions at his restaurant job.

For McKenzie, weight gain began during puberty, leading to severe asthma and a risk of developing diabetes. Despite efforts to cut out sugary drinks and snacks, his weight continued to rise until he met Dr. Joani Jack, a pediatric obesity specialist at Children's Hospital at Erlanger in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Dr. Jack, who frequently prescribes GLP-1 drugs for young patients, recommended Wegovy for McKenzie. Approved for use in children over 12 in late 2022, Wegovy, along with Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs like Saxenda and Trulicity, has shown significant results. Over 6,000 children received Wegovy in 2023, while more than 7,600 received Ozempic.

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Challenges and Considerations in Obesity Medication

While McKenzie experienced no significant side effects from Wegovy, Dr. Lee noted that some young patients report nausea, vomiting, or constipation severe enough to discontinue the medication.

The high cost and accessibility of these drugs also pose challenges, with Medicaid covering nearly half of the prescriptions for 12- to 17-year-olds and about a quarter for those aged 18 to 25.

Understanding the long-term safety and effectiveness of these medications for young people is crucial, as they are intended for ongoing use. Despite these hurdles, the benefits for McKenzie have been life-changing. His asthma has improved, and he now enjoys social interactions with newfound confidence.

"I have a lot of self-confidence now, a lot more than I used to," he said. "It has changed everything."

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