Doctors in the United States are increasingly prescribing GLP-1 drugs to children under 12 with obesity, according to a new study.
The research found that prescriptions increased more than 300-fold between 2019 and June 2026. However, the overall number of young children receiving these medicines remains relatively small.
Researchers examined health records from more than 3.5 million children aged 8 to 11 who had obesity but did not have diabetes.
The rate of GLP-1 prescriptions increased from just 0.03% in 2019 to 9.3% by June 2026 among the study population.
GLP-1 Use Expands Among Younger Children
GLP-1 medicines have become increasingly popular for treating obesity. Doctors can prescribe approved medicines outside their official age indications in certain circumstances.
However, these drugs are not approved specifically for weight management in children under 12.
Clinical guidelines can support treatment for some children as young as eight who have obesity, depending on their medical circumstances.
The study therefore highlights a growing use of these medicines among younger patients.
Most Children Had Severe Obesity
The researchers found that 94% of the children who received GLP-1 drugs had severe obesity.
In addition, around 65% had at least one health condition associated with obesity.
These conditions included high cholesterol, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.
Therefore, doctors appear to be using GLP-1 medicines mainly for children facing significant obesity-related health risks.
More Than 20,000 Children Received GLP-1 Drugs
Overall, 20,282 children received GLP-1 medications during the study period.
Wegovy, made by Novo Nordisk, was the most commonly prescribed drug. Doctors also prescribed Novo Nordisk’s Saxenda and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound.
Despite the rapid increase, researchers stressed that the number remains small compared with the total number of children affected by obesity.
Lead researcher Dr. Babak Orandi of NYU Langone Health said the rapid growth in use deserves careful attention.
He also stressed the need for long-term monitoring to determine how safe and effective the drugs remain for younger patients.
Long-Term Safety Remains a Concern
The growing use of GLP-1 medicines in children raises important questions about long-term safety.
These drugs can produce significant weight-loss effects. However, researchers still need more information about their effects on children over many years.
Children are also undergoing major physical and developmental changes. As a result, doctors need to carefully weigh potential benefits against possible risks.
The study does not establish that the drugs are unsafe. Instead, it highlights the need for continued monitoring as their use expands.
Wealthier Communities Have Greater Access
The research also found differences in access to treatment.
Children living in higher-income communities were 55% more likely to receive GLP-1 medications than children in lower-income areas.
Researchers said the finding could point to growing disparities in access.
Cost may play a role because some GLP-1 treatments can be expensive. Access to insurance and specialist pediatric care can also influence whether families receive these medicines.
Study Used a Large Health Records Database
Researchers used Epic Cosmos, a national electronic health records database.
The database contains information involving more than 300 million patients in the United States.
Epic did not participate in the study.
The researchers focused on children aged 8 to 11 who had obesity without diabetes. This allowed them to examine GLP-1 use specifically for obesity treatment rather than diabetes management.
Doctors Seek New Options for Childhood Obesity
The rise in GLP-1 prescriptions comes as doctors search for more effective ways to treat childhood obesity.
Severe obesity can increase the risk of several health problems. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea.
For some children, lifestyle changes alone may not provide enough improvement.
As a result, doctors are exploring additional treatment options for patients with serious obesity-related health risks.
Access Could Become a Bigger Issue
The study also raises questions about who can benefit from newer obesity treatments.
If prescriptions continue to increase, affordability and insurance coverage could become even more important.
Researchers and health policymakers will need to consider how to expand access while maintaining appropriate medical oversight.
At the same time, doctors must continue monitoring children who receive these medicines.
GLP-1 Prescriptions for Children Continue to Rise
The sharp increase in GLP-1 prescriptions for children marks a significant change in the treatment of obesity among younger patients.
The study shows that use has accelerated rapidly since 2019. Yet the absolute number of children receiving the drugs remains relatively low.
For now, researchers say long-term safety monitoring remains essential.
As doctors gain more experience with GLP-1 medicines in younger children, future research will help determine which patients benefit most and how these treatments should be used safely.
