Rising Use of Wegovy Among U.S. Adolescents for Weight Management

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of American teenagers prescribed Wegovy (semaglutide) as a treatment for weight loss, reflecting growing acceptance among healthcare providers and families. Prescriptions for Wegovy in adolescents rose by 50% in 2024, with approximately 14.8 per 100,000 teens receiving the medication, up from 9.9 per 100,000 in 2023. The drug received approval in late 2022 for use in youths aged 12 and above struggling with obesity, with prescription rates climbing further in early 2025.

Despite this encouraging trend, experts caution that access remains limited, and more research is essential to understand the long-term safety of Wegovy in the adolescent population. Currently, only a small fraction of teens with severe obesity are utilizing these medications, highlighting the need for broader availability and acceptance. A review of health records from 1.3 million teens across 30 U.S. health systems indicates that Wegovy's use is still confined to a small segment of the population, with other GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic or Zepbound not approved for weight management in teens.

Approximately 8 million U.S. adolescents, or 23% of those aged 12 to 19, live with obesity—a troubling trend that has increased from 5% in 1980. Childhood obesity is linked to heightened risks of lifelong health issues such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended considering GLP-1 medications for teens with obesity, but many doctors remain cautious due to limited long-term data, potential side effects, and insurance coverage barriers.

At Nemours Children's Hospital in Delaware, the Healthy Weight and Wellness Clinic reports that about one-quarter of the teens treated there have been prescribed Wegovy or similar drugs, nearly doubling the numbers from the previous year. While some adolescents achieve significant weight loss, many face obstacles including insurance restrictions and concerns over side effects. Consequently, some rely on older medications or focus solely on lifestyle modifications.

Health authorities like U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have raised concerns over the overuse of weight-loss drugs in youth, emphasizing the need for comprehensive long-term studies on growth and development impacts. However, pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly assert their ongoing studies show no adverse effects on puberty or growth.

Pediatric specialists stress cautious use, recommending a combination of diet, exercise, and medication over extended periods to maintain weight loss, as long-term safety profiles are still evolving. As the landscape of adolescent weight management continues to develop, the focus remains on balancing effective treatment options with safety considerations.

For more details on weight management and emerging treatments, visit Mayo Clinic’s resource on weight loss medications.