Concerns are growing over the use of weight-loss injections in children and teenagers, as parents, medical professionals, and experts debate the safety and necessity of these treatments amid rising childhood obesity rates.

Medications such as Wegovy and Saxenda, which are approved for use in individuals aged 12 to 17 who meet specific criteria—including obesity combined with related health conditions like high blood pressure—have seen increasing off-label use in younger populations. Supporters argue that these drugs can offer meaningful health benefits, including improvements in mental well-being for young patients struggling with the psychological effects of obesity.

Ashley, a mother whose daughter Sophia began receiving weight-loss injections at age 11 after facing persistent bullying tied to her weight, describes the relief and hope the treatment brought despite initial fears. “When Sophia was rushed to hospital, I was terrified it was something serious related to the medication. It turned out to be constipation, a common side effect, and she recovered fully within a few days,” Ashley said. She reflected on how her own experience with bullying influenced her decision to pursue the treatment for her daughter, hoping to shield her from emotional distress and social isolation.

However, the use of these drugs in children has raised significant concerns among other parents and some healthcare professionals. Paulomi Debnath, a mother from Romford, East London, expressed strong opposition to weight-loss injections for her 15-year-old son. “We are not a slim family, but I would be 100 percent against him using jabs during his teen years due to worries about potential long-term health effects like osteoporosis or pancreatic damage,” she said. Some medical experts warn that although serious adverse events such as pancreatitis, gallstones, or appendicitis are reportedly rare, there remains limited long-term safety data for adolescents.

Additional scrutiny has come from researchers noting increased rates of gastrointestinal side effects in young patients using these drugs, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Furthermore, some specialists caution that these medications may alter brain mechanisms linked to reward and risk processing, which are still developing during adolescence. Professor Strain highlighted the potential for lasting mental health and behavioral impacts, stating that rewiring of the brain’s response systems in this crucial developmental phase could have unintended consequences.

In the context of a nationwide childhood obesity epidemic, some experts believe that the current cautious approach may not adequately address the scale of the problem. Professor Miras noted a disconnect between existing evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of the drugs in adolescents and the conservative prescribing practices in the country. He advocates for broader use among obese youth, emphasizing the potential benefits of early intervention.

Parenting specialists emphasize that decisions around these treatments should be made carefully, weighing both physical health and emotional well-being. Liat Hughes Joshi, a parenting coach and author, underscored the complex interplay between obesity, self-esteem, and social engagement. “Obesity impacts not only physical health but also mental health. Children affected by their size may face bullying and may avoid social activities, so parents must carefully consider all factors when making treatment decisions,” she said.

As debate continues, families and healthcare providers face difficult choices balancing immediate mental health relief against unknown long-term risks, highlighting a need for further research and clear clinical guidelines on the use of weight-loss injections in young populations.