The use of weight-loss drugs like Wegovy among teenagers has skyrocketed.
But experts warn that the long-term effects on growing bodies and brains are still largely unknown.
Long-term effects remain unclear
While GLP-1 drugs show impressive short-term results in adolescents, scientists emphasize that the long-term impact on growth, hormone development, and brain function remains uncertain.
Usage among young people increased by 594 percent
Between 2020 and 2023, the number of teenagers and young adults taking GLP-1 drugs surged by a staggering 594 percent, highlighting a rapidly growing demand for medical weight-loss solutions.
Wegovy is approved for children 12 and older
Unlike Ozempic, Wegovy has been approved for use in children aged 12 and up who suffer from obesity, offering new options for young patients struggling with severe weight issues.
Early intervention could prevent type 2 diabetes
Experts stress that helping kids lose weight before mid-puberty can dramatically reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes – a disease that progresses faster and more aggressively in teenagers than in adults.
GLP-1 drugs alter appetite and reward systems
These medications not only curb appetite but also affect the brain’s reward system, making unhealthy foods less appealing.
However, the potential long-term mental health implications are still unknown.
About 25 percent of children don’t respond to treatment
Roughly one in four kids who try GLP-1 drugs see little or no effect, likely due to hormonal changes during puberty and increased levels of growth hormone that impact insulin resistance.
Sleep deprivation may weaken treatment outcomes
Teenagers often suffer from disrupted sleep patterns, which can worsen insulin resistance and increase hunger – potentially undermining the effectiveness of weight-loss medication.
Concerns about brain development
Researchers worry that altering the reward system in still-developing brains might raise the risk of depression or permanently change how young people experience pleasure and motivation.
Risks to growth, bone density, and muscle mass
Long-term use of GLP-1 drugs could potentially stunt physical growth, reduce bone density, and hinder muscle development in children and teens.
Lifelong medication may be necessary
Experts warn that discontinuing GLP-1 treatment could lead to weight regain, suggesting that children who start on these drugs might need to remain on them indefinitely to maintain results.
This article is based on information from National Geographic.