Low Prescription Rates of Obesity Medications in Adolescents Highlight Treatment Gaps
Despite increasing awareness, prescription rates for obesity medications in adolescents remain extremely low, with only 0.5% receiving such treatment in 2023. Recent research highlights treatment disparities and a potential gap in effective obesity management among youth.
Recent research indicates that despite rising concerns about adolescent obesity, very few affected youths are receiving pharmacological treatment. In 2023, only 0.5% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 with obesity were prescribed FDA-approved obesity medications, according to a study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. This marks a slight increase compared to previous years but remains an extremely low utilization rate. The study analyzed electronic medical records from the CDC, revealing that the prescription rate surged approximately 300% from 2020 to 2023 — the year after the approval of certain medications for adolescents was expanded by the FDA.
Most prescriptions were directed toward adolescents with severe obesity, with 83% of prescriptions going to this group. The most commonly prescribed drugs included semaglutide and, to a lesser extent, phentermine or phentermine-topiramate. The research also showed disparities based on demographics; girls, older teens (15-17 years), and those with higher obesity classes (class 2 and 3) were more likely to receive prescriptions. Conversely, Black or African American adolescents had lower prescription rates compared to their white counterparts.
The authors emphasized that healthcare providers predominantly prescribe these medications to adolescents with the most severe forms of obesity. This highlights potential barriers or hesitations in extending medication treatment more broadly among adolescents with obesity. The findings underscore the need for increased awareness, evaluation, and access to effective obesity treatments in youth populations.
For more detailed insights, refer to the original study: Kompaniyets L, et al. Prescriptions for Obesity Medications Among Adolescents Aged 12–17 Years with Obesity — United States, 2018–2023, in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-adolescents-obesity-medications.html
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