Approximately 17 Million U.S. Youth Eligible for GLP-1RA Treatment Addressing Rising Obesity and Diabetes Rates

Recent analysis from Yale School of Medicine indicates that nearly 17 million adolescents and young adults in the United States meet the clinical criteria for treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). These medications are approved for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), conditions increasingly prevalent among youth. The study highlights that the growing rates of obesity and T2D in U.S. youth present a substantial opportunity for intervention through GLP-1RA therapy.

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), researchers identified that about 5.8 million adolescents aged 12–17 and 11.1 million young adults aged 18–25 are eligible for GLP-1RA treatment. Eligibility was determined based on FDA-approved criteria, which include obesity (adjusted BMI for age and sex or adult BMI thresholds) and T2D diagnoses. For adolescents, criteria included obesity or T2D, while for young adults, criteria encompassed obesity (BMI ≥30) or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or cardiovascular disease.

The analysis revealed that the majority of eligible youth—over 99% of adolescents and 88% of young adults—qualify due to obesity, with or without T2D. Only a small percentage qualified based solely on BMI with comorbidities. Despite this high eligibility, insurance coverage and access to healthcare vary significantly. Among adolescents, 40.3% had Medicaid, and only 7.2% were uninsured, whereas in young adults, 49% had private insurance, but 19.4% were uninsured.

Furthermore, many eligible youth exhibit significant health risks, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, and reduced kidney function. Specifically, 35.1% of adolescents had abnormal lipid levels, 10.1% had hypertension, and 74.7% showed signs of reduced kidney function. Among young adults, these figures were even higher—44.5% had dyslipidemia, 26.7% experienced high blood pressure, and 71.9% had compromised kidney health. A notable portion of young adults also exhibited probable obstructive sleep apnea.

The findings demonstrate that GLP-1RA therapy could play a crucial role in addressing the metabolic health crisis among youth. However, barriers such as limited insurance coverage and inconsistent healthcare access could hinder efforts to diagnose and treat these conditions effectively. Addressing these disparities is essential for leveraging the full potential of GLP-1RAs in combating obesity and diabetes in the younger population.

This analysis underscores the importance of expanding healthcare access and tailored interventions to improve health outcomes in youth battling obesity and metabolic disorders.