Surge in GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drug Prescriptions for US Children

Prescriptions for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs among US children under 12 rose from 0.03% in 2019 to 9.3% by June 2026, according to a study of 3.5 million patients.

The study found 20,282 children received drugs like Wegovy, Saxenda, or Zepbound, with 94% of recipients suffering from severe obesity and 65% having related conditions.

Children in higher-income communities were 55% more likely to be prescribed these medications, highlighting significant disparities in access to obesity treatments.