A real-world study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes on Sept. 30, 2026, found that GLP-1 receptor agonists—such as Wegovy and Zepbound—helped young patients with type 2 diabetes reduce their weight, lower blood pressure, and improve blood sugar control.
Clinical Benefits for Young Patients
The study tracked nearly 1,900 participants aged 6 to 17 across Germany, Austria, and Luxembourg between 2019 and 2025. Among a subset of 240 young people—most of whom were living with obesity—over one-third achieved at least a 5% reduction in their age-adjusted body mass index (BMI) after roughly 11 months of treatment.
"Our results confirm that GLP-1 receptor agonists have real benefits for children, adolescents and young adults with type 2 diabetes," said study lead author Dr. Marie Auzanneau.
Rising Prescription Rates in the U.S.
While the European study focused on diabetes management, research published in the journal Pediatrics examined the broader trend of GLP-1 use among children with obesity in the United States. Data from more than 3.5 million children aged 8 to 11 revealed that prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs increased 310-fold between 2019 and 2026, according to STAT.
Despite this sharp rise, the overall prevalence of these prescriptions remains low, affecting only 0.6% of children in that age group. Dr. Aaron Walsh, a pediatric cardiologist at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, noted that these medications are becoming a vital tool for treating chronic complications like obstructive sleep apnea and pre-diabetes. "It is considered a disease process, and it’s a chronic disease," Dr. Walsh told FOX13 Memphis.
Nutritional Deficiencies Rise Among Pediatric Patients
As usage expands, concerns regarding the impact on developing bodies have surfaced. A study published in Child Obes found that nearly 1 in 6 pediatric patients on GLP-1 therapy developed nutritional deficiencies, Drug Topics reported. Justin Ryder, PhD, of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, emphasized that nutrition counseling is frequently delayed, noting that less than 6% of patients received a dietitian visit within 30 days of starting medication.
Experts caution that because these drugs suppress appetite, children risk losing muscle mass and failing to get adequate protein during critical growth phases. Dr. Varsha Babu, an endocrinologist at UCSF Fresno, emphasized to ABC30 that weight loss in adolescents should be gradual and closely monitored by the entire family to avoid aggressive, unhealthy outcomes.
Long-Term Treatment Considerations
A significant point of discussion among clinicians is the duration of therapy. Many practitioners, including Dr. Walsh, warn that obesity often requires long-term management, as data suggests patients frequently regain weight if the medication is stopped.
While the FDA has approved certain GLP-1 medications for children aged 12 and older, use in younger children remains off-label. Researchers noted that the current landscape is marked by disparities, as these drugs are more frequently prescribed in higher-income communities, according to ABC30. Further studies are expected to address how these medications influence long-term puberty and growth patterns.
Regulatory Status and Side Effects for Children
Are GLP-1 medications currently FDA-approved for children under 12?
No. While some GLP-1 drugs are approved for weight loss and diabetes control in children aged 12 and older in the United States, their use in younger children is considered off-label, meaning it is at the discretion of the physician.
What are the primary side effects observed in children taking these drugs?
According to Dr. Varsha Babu, the medications are generally well-tolerated but can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
Why is there a concern about nutritional deficiencies?
Because GLP-1 drugs reduce appetite, there is a risk that children may not consume enough protein or essential nutrients during periods of rapid growth and pubertal development. Research indicates that nutritional counseling often lags behind the start of medication, which can lead to complications.
Does weight loss with these drugs typically last if the medication is stopped?
Data suggests that most patients regain a substantial amount of weight once they stop taking the medication, leading many specialists to view obesity as a chronic condition that may require long-term therapy.