KC Reporter

Frankie McGinn, a 16-year-old from Chicago, struggled with weight loss despite maintaining a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. Inspired by her mother's success with semaglutide (Wegovy), a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication, Frankie also began treatment. Since starting the medication, she has experienced significant changes. "I lost 42 pounds since March. I feel healthier, and I have more energy," says Frankie.

In the United States, obesity affects over 14 million children and teenagers. Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, MPH, MPA, MBA of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School explains that this condition raises risks for diabetes and heart disease. Until 2023, pediatricians often recommended a "watchful waiting" approach along with lifestyle changes for managing obesity in children. However, new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now advise offering medications to patients aged 12 and older with obesity alongside lifestyle treatments.

The AAP guidelines also suggest evaluating patients aged 13 and older with severe obesity for bariatric surgery. These recommendations have sparked debate. Critics highlight concerns about relying on BMI as a measure of health and potential long-term risks associated with GLP-1s.

Aaron Kelly, PhD from the University of Minnesota Medical School emphasizes the effectiveness of GLP-1 medications in studies where nearly three-quarters of teens taking semaglutide achieved significant weight loss compared to those on placebo. He notes that these medications can be transformative but are not suitable for everyone due to possible side effects like gastrointestinal issues.

Sarah Hampl, MD advises that healthcare providers consider various aspects before prescribing GLP-1s to young patients. "Before prescribing, providers need to consider the whole patient," she states.

The ongoing discussions reflect diverse perspectives on treating childhood obesity while considering individual needs and potential implications.