Experts are raising concerns about the prescription of weight-loss drugs to children, warning that it could lead to abuse, malnutrition, and an increase in body dysmorphia. A recent article published by researchers from the University of California at Irvine highlights the potential risks of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, emphasizing that they have not been sufficiently studied for long-term use in minors. This is significant because children are still in the process of physical and mental development.
The drugs in question work by binding to the GLP-1 receptor in the brain, which triggers the release of hormones that slow down digestion and keep the stomach full, reducing cravings and the risk of overeating. While these drugs were initially approved for diabetes treatment, doctors have begun using them off-label for weight loss. Wegovy, specifically, received approval in 2021 for weight loss treatment in individuals aged 12 and above.
Earlier this year, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released guidelines recommending the use of weight-loss drugs in the treatment of obesity among children aged 12 and older. The AAP states that these medications have proven to be safe and effective options when added to a comprehensive weight-loss regimen, which includes dietary changes and increased physical activity. Childhood obesity is a significant concern, as it affects one in five children aged two to 19, making it one of the most common chronic diseases in this age group.
However, the researchers from California express particular concern about the potential impact of calorie reduction resulting from the use of these drugs on the growth and development of children. They worry that deviating from healthy levels of eating and exercise could adversely affect children and adolescents, potentially leading to heightened inflammation associated with heart disease. Dr. Dan Cooper, one of the authors of the study, stresses that children and adolescents require sufficient energy and calories not only for physical activity but also for proper growth and development.
In addition to the physiological concerns, the study team also highlights the fragile nature of self-esteem and self-image during adolescence. They point out that exposure to unrealistic body types and diet culture through social media can significantly shape a child’s body image. Prescribing weight-loss drugs to children and teens during this vulnerable period could potentially lead to abuse and dissatisfaction with one’s appearance. Furthermore, individuals with diagnosed eating disorders or those involved in sports that emphasize body weight, such as wrestling, gymnastics, and ballet, may be at an increased risk of abuse.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated childhood obesity and limited physical activity due to stay-at-home orders, further increasing the potential for abuse. Therefore, the potential benefits and costs of long-term drug use in youth should be carefully studied. Jan D. Hirsch, co-author and dean of the UCI School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, highlights the influence of social media and suggests that these drugs administered without proper supervision may contribute to health and emotional problems as children grow older.
While the paper does not directly discuss it, there have been documented cases of weight-loss drugs causing severe side effects in adults, including suicidal thoughts, depression, severe vomiting, and stomach paralysis. It is crucial to conduct clinical trials to study the safety and efficacy of new drugs. However, enrolling younger patients in these trials presents challenges related to access to trial sites, exclusionary comorbidities or pre-existing conditions, and recruitment. Without long-term research to understand the potential harmful side effects of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy over a child’s lifetime, the risks cannot be adequately documented.
The researchers acknowledge that weight-loss drugs may be beneficial for children with morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, they remain concerned about the inevitable overuse and abuse of these drugs. It is essential to strike a balance between the potential benefits and potential harm, considering the long-term impacts on a child’s health and well-being.
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