GLP-1 weight-loss drug use surges among children

Recent studies have highlighted significant trends and risks regarding the use of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications among children. Research from NYU Langone Health involving over 3.5 million American children found that prescriptions for patients aged eight to 11 increased 310 times between 2019 and this year. While medications like Wegovy and Zepbound are FDA-approved for weight loss in individuals aged 12 and older, children under that age often receive them off-label.

Alongside the surge in usage, medical researchers are raising concerns regarding nutritional health. A study published in 'Childhood Obesity' found that approximately 16.8% of young patients were diagnosed with a nutritional deficiency within their first year of treatment. Vitamin D deficiency was the most common, affecting 12.4% of the group.

Experts from Northwestern University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago noted that because these drugs suppress appetite, they may impact the intake of essential nutrients like iron and calcium during critical periods of growth and puberty. The research also indicated a gap in clinical support, noting that only 5% of patients received nutritional counseling within 30 days of starting treatment.