Key Takeaway: Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in the US and across the globe. Although on the outside, GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic look like a magic pill. They are NOT! There is very little information as to the short-term and long-term effects of these drugs on children and teens. The real question we should be asking is how can we help parents to make better lifestyle choices for their families so their children do not become obese?
In recent years, the prevalence of obesity among children and teenagers has been on the rise, posing significant concerns for parents and healthcare professionals alike. As medical professionals grapple with effective treatment options, the discussion around prescribing GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic to children and teens has emerged.
Today there was a long segment on the Today show focused on this topic. And they made it sound like GLP-1 drugs are an acceptable treatment for childhood obesity and just another drug to be given by medical professionals. This is scary! However, before delving into this treatment avenue, it’s critical for parents to understand the implications and potential risks associated with such medications.
One of the primary concerns surrounding the prescription of GLP-1 drugs to children and teens lies in the fact that their bodies and brains are still in the developmental stage. Unlike adults, whose physiological and psychological processes are relatively stable, the impact of medications on growing individuals can be unpredictable. The long and short-term effects of GLP-1 drugs on youth, including their potential influence on growth, hormonal balance, and cognitive development remain largely unknown.
To date, much of the clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of GLP-1 drugs have predominantly focused on adult populations. However, in December 2022, the FDA approved the use of Wagovy to teens ages 12 and up. Consequently, there’s a significant gap in our understanding of how these medications affect children and teens. Without robust data specific to this demographic, prescribing GLP-1 drugs to youth becomes a risky endeavor, potentially exposing them to unforeseen side effects and complications both in the short term and the long term.
Despite the limited research and safety concerns, many medical professionals are prescribing GLP-1 drugs to children and teens suffering from obesity.
Childhood obesity is a significant problem in the United States, and across much of the globe, putting children and adolescents at risk for poor health. As of 2023, 1 in 5 children in the US are obese, with this number rising yearly. Childhood obesity is exacerbated by poor lifestyle choices where children’s time is often consumed by technology and sedentary activities as opposed to participating in physical activities and they are consuming massive amounts of ultra-processed foods. Childhood obesity is often a precursor to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, breathing problems such as asthma and sleep apnea, and joint problems. It also has been strongly correlated with mental health issues such as low self-esteem. depression, anxiety and social isolation.
No one wants children and teens to suffer from obesity and all the conditions that often come along with it. However, there is no obese child or teen that I have met who is eating a healthy diet and moving regularly. There is no quick fix or magic pill for health! It takes lifestyle changes and commitment by the family to truly make a lasting change.
Family-centered interventions for childhood obesity are crucial in addressing this complex issue, as they recognize the influential role that family dynamics, environment, and behaviors play in a child’s weight status. These interventions typically involve the whole family in adopting healthier habits, including dietary changes, increased physical activity, and improved lifestyle choices.
Parents play a pivotal role in these interventions by serving as role models, providing support and encouragement, creating a supportive home environment conducive to healthy behaviors, and actively participating in physical activities. It is imperative that parents model the behaviors they want their children to exhibit. As a parent you can’t be eating fast food regularly, purchasing and snacking on ultra-processed foods and spending hours on the couch scrolling through Instagram or on Netflix. Your children will do what they see you doing, not what you say.
The question we all should be asking is how can we help parents to support their children and families when they are in this type of crisis? Every parent wants the best for their children. No parent is purposely making their child sick. However, there are conflicting priorities of time and money with health and parents need knowledge, tools and support to help them make the best choices. Often Western-trained physicians treat symptoms and not root-causes so its understandable to see why Americans are over-prescribed drugs as opposed to getting support to make significant lifestyle changes. Taking pills (or shots) is easy! Making lifestyle change is often much more challenging! But when we take the easy route, are we really going to reach the destination we are on the journey toward?
Instead of immediately turning to GLP-1 drugs, medical professionals should emphasize lifestyle interventions as the cornerstone of obesity management in children and teens. This includes dietary modifications, increased physical activity, and behavioral counseling aimed at promoting sustainable lifestyle changes. Additionally, emotional eating – a mental health issue- is often at play when people use food to self soothe. As many children and teens are struggling with depressing and anxiety, they use food to make themselves feel better. This can be addressed through working with a trained therapist/psychologist. While pharmacotherapy may have a role in very specific cases, it should be viewed as a last-resort, complementary strategy rather than a standalone treatment. Its really important to address the root cause of these issues, not just treat the symptoms.
Even if children and teens are prescribed GLP-1 drugs, it’s crucial to recognize that medication alone cannot offset the consequences of poor dietary choices. If these children and teens continue to consume unhealthy foods high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats, they undermine the efficacy of pharmacological interventions and perpetuate the cycle of metabolic dysfunction. Therefore, parents must work closely with healthcare providers to implement dietary changes and monitor their child’s progress.
While the prospect of treating obesity in children and teens with GLP-1 drugs may seem appealing, it’s essential for parents to exercise caution and advocate for their child’s well-being. By prioritizing lifestyle modifications, seeking guidance from qualified nutrition, mental health and healthcare professionals, and staying informed about the risks and benefits of various treatment options, parents can play a proactive role in managing their child’s health and ensuring a brighter, healthier future.