Over the past several years, rates of obesity among both adults and children have increased significantly, prompting a rise in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs for weight management. In England, recent data indicates that about two-thirds of adults are overweight or living with obesity, while NHS figures show that 22.2 percent of children aged 10 or 11 are categorized as living with obesity.

This growing public health challenge has coincided with a sharp increase in prescriptions of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, such as Wegovy. By May 2026, it was estimated that nearly 7 percent of the UK population had used, were using, or were considering using these drugs. This trend is also visible among children and teenagers. A recent study focusing on more than 3.5 million American children aged 8 to 11 diagnosed with obesity—but without diabetes—revealed that the percentage receiving GLP-1 prescriptions rose dramatically from 0.03 percent in 2019 to 9.3 percent in 2026, representing a 310-fold increase.

In the UK, NHS England’s Complications from Excess Weight (CEW) clinics have been seeing a growing number of children and adolescents since the program's inception in 2021. Nearly 6,500 children aged 17 and under have been assessed in these specialist clinics, with some as young as four receiving treatment, and adolescents over 11 prescribed medications like Wegovy. The country’s current weight management framework tends to be specialist-led, with referrals depending on severity of obesity and associated health conditions. Wegovy is officially licensed for use in the UK for adolescents aged 12 and older. However, private clinics also provide these medications, and there is no centralized database tracking all prescriptions for young patients, leaving the full scope of usage unclear.

The experiences of families navigating this landscape highlight both the challenges and benefits of access to GLP-1 treatment. Carly, whose 15-year-old son James was classified as severely obese, shared her difficulties securing NHS approval for the medication. Despite extensive attempts with lifestyle interventions, including nutritional guidance and therapy, progress was limited, and James continued to gain significant weight. After eventually obtaining Wegovy through a private provider, Carly reported notable improvements. James’s appetite became more manageable, and he lost enough weight to approach a healthy range within six months, gaining confidence to engage in physical activity. Carly characterized the traditional NHS approach as "old-fashioned" and called for broader, less stigmatized availability of such treatments for children facing obesity.

Health professionals emphasize that childhood obesity is a complex issue influenced by numerous factors, including limited access to quality nutrition and the need for family support. While the expanded use of GLP-1 drugs offers a new option for managing weight-related health risks in young people, it remains one part of a broader, multifaceted public health challenge.