A recent study presented at the International Congress on Obesity in Mexico City has found that GLP-1-based weight loss injections are generally safe for children over the age of 12 who are overweight. The analysis, drawing on data from nearly 800 young patients, showed an average weight loss of around five kilograms (11 pounds) with limited reported side effects.
With childhood obesity rates rising, particularly in the UK where about one in three children entering secondary school is overweight and one in four is classified as obese, these findings arrive amid growing concern among parents and medical professionals alike. However, experts caution that while the drugs may offer a helpful tool, they are not a cure-all and carry potential risks.
Professor Alex Miras, an endocrinologist from Ulster University, expressed support for the use of GLP-1 injections in young adults, stating he would have no hesitation in prescribing them. Conversely, Professor David Strain, a cardiometabolic health specialist at Exeter University, urged caution, emphasizing unknown long-term effects on developing bone health. He highlighted the risk of osteoporosis, which GLP-1 agonists have been linked to in adults, and raised concerns about how the medication might affect normal growth during adolescence.
Parents of children struggling with weight issues have reported difficult choices between the risks associated with excess weight—such as long-term health complications and mental health challenges—and those tied to these medical treatments. Joe, a father from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, plans to start GLP-1 injections for his 13-year-old son, Drew, despite concerns about potential side effects like stunted growth and osteoporosis. Joe cited his son’s significant emotional distress related to his weight and difficulties engaging in physical activities with peers as motivating factors. He obtained the medication privately due to limited NHS recommendations and funding for use in under-18s.
The NHS has expanded its response to childhood obesity by establishing weight loss clinics that have treated over 6,400 obese children since 2021, and by prescribing GLP-1 injections to approximately 400 children aged 11 and above. Private clinics have also seen increased demand, with some parents paying around £180 per month for treatment.
Another parent, Ashley Hamilton, allowed her 11-year-old daughter Sophia to begin injections after rapid weight gain. Sophia experienced initial benefits including reduced appetite and weight loss but also faced significant side effects; Ashley recounted an episode when Sophia woke at night in severe pain following her sixth dose.
As childhood obesity rates continue to rise, the GLP-1 injections present a complex option. While early data suggests benefits with manageable short-term effects for many, ongoing research and careful clinical evaluation remain essential to fully understand the implications of this treatment for young patients.