As obesity rates among children continue to climb, experts are discussing the potential use of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Monjauro for adolescents. These injectable medications, which have shown promise in helping adults lose weight and reduce their risk of diabetes and heart disease, are now being considered for younger patients.
Growing Concern Over Childhood Obesity
Dr. Artur Chernoguz, a pediatric surgeon at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and part of Brown University Health, highlights the significant long-term health risks associated with childhood obesity. He states, “We have fairly substantial data on what happens if obesity is not addressed at a young age,” noting that untreated obesity can lead to conditions such as diabetes and heart disease in adulthood.
Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Obesity
Both Chernoguz and Dr. Aurora Pryor, Chair of Surgery at Brown University Health, identify lifestyle factors—particularly lack of exercise and poor diet—as major contributors to rising obesity rates. Dr. Pryor mentions that children often develop unhealthy eating habits, particularly gravitating toward addictive snacks.
Treatment Options for Obesity
When lifestyle interventions fail, Chernoguz and Pryor suggest considering bariatric surgery or newer injectable medications, known as GLP-1 agonists, for eligible patients. Chernoguz acknowledges that these treatments can seem extreme to parents and providers, saying, “Your initial reaction I think as a parent or provider is that these are extreme and sort of life-altering events. In many ways, they are.”
Impact on Self-Esteem and Quality of Life
The experts emphasize the positive psychological effects that weight loss can have on children. Dr. Pryor states, “These are kids who’ve been struggling with their weight and don’t feel like they fit in with their peers. When they lose weight and can feel better about themselves, I think it really helps their outlook on life.”
Age Considerations for Medication Use
Currently, GLP-1 agonists are approved for use in patients over 12 years old. However, new research may expand their use to even younger children, potentially as young as six years old. Chernoguz notes that while this development is promising, it is accompanied by the requirement for ongoing lifestyle modifications.
Lifelong Commitment to Lifestyle Changes
Both experts stress that any treatment, whether through injectables or surgery, necessitates a commitment to diet and exercise changes. Dr. Pryor warns, “If you do injectable medications or pediatric surgery, both of those come with working on diet and exercise and making those lifestyle changes part of your everyday routine.” They emphasize that these changes are lifelong and essential for achieving and maintaining weight loss.
As discussions about the appropriateness of weight loss medications for adolescents continue, experts urge parents and healthcare providers to carefully consider the individual needs of each child, alongside the importance of promoting healthy lifestyle habits.
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