Obesity medication prescriptions rise sharply among children aged 8–11

A study published in the journal Pediatrics reveals a significant increase in the prescription of obesity medications for children aged 8–11. Analyzing electronic health data from over 3.5 million children with obesity but without diabetes between January 2019 and June 2026, researchers found that the annual percentage of children prescribed these drugs rose from 0.03% to 9.3%, representing a 310-fold increase.

While the data shows a sharp rise, the study notes that approximately 0.6% of the total analyzed population received such prescriptions. The medications discussed, such as liraglutide and semaglutide, mimic the GLP-1 hormone to control appetite and satiety.

Medical experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, emphasize that childhood obesity is a complex chronic disease influenced by genetic, biological, and environmental factors. While medication can be part of a treatment plan, long-term effects of extended use in children remain unknown. Regulatory approvals vary by region; for instance, the European Medicines Agency has approved Saxenda (liraglutide) for use in children.