Today, it’s hard not to hear buzz about Ozempic, which has become the colloquial term for a number of medications targeting diabetes and/or weight loss. From celebrities and social media influencers to real-life people you know (and a seemingly endless supply of commercials with annoyingly catchy slogan jingles), weight loss has fully re-entered the cultural zeitgeist… though a lot One would say it never really started anywhere and.
Just as you’re likely to peruse magazines and watch famous women’s bodies being ripped apart on every public platform, your kids will almost certainly notice the obsession with ozone, even if you’re doing your best to model body acceptance at home. So, what happens when your child asks you to try one of these diet pills? What would you do if their doctor was the one who recommended them?
411 on GLP-1
First, fast-breaking glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (also known as GLP-1 agonists), available under brand names such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound and, of course, Ozempic. These medications, available in oral and injectable forms, help control blood sugar (glucose) levels and slow the movement of food through the digestive system. This can help you feel fuller longer so you eat less. Yes, many patients lose weight during the process.
The first GLP-1 agonist was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but only in recent years have some GLP-1s been approved for weight loss. These drugs are big business, and the business is growing rapidly, with experts predicting annual revenue of $150 billion by early next decade. You may have heard that manufacturing shortages and high consumer costs prevent many people from obtaining these medications.
Still, we cannot ignore the connection between these so-called “wonder drugs” and the pervasive fatphobia and policing of bodies (particularly marginalized bodies), as well as the cultural and medical demonization of obesity. Way. That’s just a small part of the gap between resources and health—it’s no secret that health services are also more accessible to American families who have the time, space, money, and energy to cook fresh food and spend time outdoors with their children. Including the expensive diet pills mentioned above.
Semaglutide stronghold
Most GLP-1 drugs are currently approved only for adults 18 and older, but manufacturers and health experts are setting their sights on teenagers. In late 2022, the FDA approved Wegovy as a weight loss treatment for children 12 years and older. A few days later, in early 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new childhood obesity guidelines recommending weight loss measures (including medications and metabolic and bariatric surgeries) for adolescents 13 years and older. Therefore, it’s possible your child’s doctor will push for weight-related medical intervention.
Of course, eating disorders among children and teenagers have increased dramatically in recent years, driven in large part by social media and screen time. It is nearly impossible for children to escape the filtered, modified images on the Internet that lead to poor body image, dieting, and/or extreme exercise.
Diet pills and “meal replacement shakes” from decades past are now just a trip to the doctor, and some experts are warning children whose bodies are still growing about their safety. EDCare Medical Director Dr. Brian Erly told Scary Moms that the increased risk of behavioral disorders adds another layer of concern.
“Because these drugs are new, we don’t have a lot of information about the long-term developmental effects of these drugs in children and adolescents,” he said.
Physical and emotional side effects are another major concern, and Erly noted that hypoglycemia is a common side effect of diabetes medications, including GLP-1 agonists.
“GLP-1 drugs also have several potentially serious side effects that are currently being studied,” he added. “We don’t yet know how GLP-1 drugs affect the risk of these diseases. Side effects being studied include medullary thyroid cancer, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis and suicidal thoughts.
In short, weekly injections or daily pills should not be viewed as harmless quick fixes for anyone, let alone children.
Another key thing parents need to consider, according to Airlie: the long-term necessity of these treatments. “Unfortunately, most adults who stop taking GLP-1 drugs to treat obesity regain some or all of the weight they lost,” he said. “Similarly, glycemic control worsens in people who stop taking these diabetes medications. Although there are fewer data in adolescents, we would expect a similar phenomenon to be seen.
“Because the long-term effects of these drugs in adolescents are unknown, health care providers should carefully assess individual risk factors before prescribing them,” he added.
mind and body
Earley also warned that placing too much emphasis on weight and shape during an already vulnerable time in a child’s life can increase the risk of eating disorders. “Body dissatisfaction is the biggest risk factor for developing eating disorders in adolescents,” he said. “Care pathways that pathologize larger body size may worsen children’s physical and mental health.”
So, if your child comes to you about diet pills—or worse, feels pressured by their doctor to use them—you’ll want to keep the conversation open, without feeling shame, shame, or judgment. Just like Los Angeles — eating disorder therapist Rachel Goldberg, LMFT, PMH-C, tells Scary Mom.
“I think it’s really important for parents to first express an open mind and then be curious,” she said. “It can take a lot of courage for teenagers to raise this issue, depending on their relationship with their parents, so it’s important to reassure them that they can talk about it openly and that their request will not be dismissed out of hand or met firmly. ‘No’.
Understanding your child’s perspective can help you assess the seriousness of the situation and how to best help them manage their feelings and experiences. “This open approach also allows parents to do research and discuss the pros and cons together,” she adds.
Goldberg points out that because these drugs have only recently been approved for use in children and adolescents, there simply isn’t enough data on the risks (or benefits) to their overall emotional health. She did note a strong correlation between weight loss and restrictive eating, especially among teenagers, and eating disorders and distorted thoughts about food and body image.
“These drugs may also exacerbate body image issues because they may reinforce a negative self-image,” she says. “Adolescents may begin to pay more attention to their bodies, which may lead to greater dissatisfaction, especially if the parent’s acceptance of the drug indicates that their body is not normal.” If a child loses weight after taking the drug and then stops taking it (due to side effects or routes of use), “They may slip into deep depression, eating disorders, extreme anxiety, or cope in destructive ways—especially if the person believes it to be their last hope.
Therefore, she warned, “putting someone so young on a drug with unknown long-term consequences is very dangerous and should be considered carefully after other options have been explored.”
Next step
Goldberg advises parents to consider all angles, and if your child’s doctor recommends these medications and you feel uncomfortable, that may mean seeking a second opinion.
It’s also important to “think about future consequences,” she said. “If the medication is effective, their children may be happier, healthier and have improved mental health. However, it may also lead to a lifelong dependence on the medication, putting them at risk for eating disorders, or getting into trouble if they stop taking the medication. On the other hand, choosing not to allow your child to use drugs can lead to depression, poor physical health and, again, possibly an eating disorder or disordered eating.
As with many parenting scenarios, there simply is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Develop healthy habits
Both professionals recommend using the conversation as a way to create lifelong healthy habits, including finding exercises your child actually enjoys and incorporating nutrient-dense foods they want to eat when possible. Encouraging time away from screens, playing like a kid, playing with friends, and getting enough quality sleep regularly is also crucial.
Helping them respect their bodies through intuitive eating and mindful movement will help them feel better in their skin, Earley adds. “The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children and adolescents follow a 5-2-1-0 plan of five fruits and vegetables per day, two hours or less of screen time, one hour of physical activity and zero sugar-sweetened beverages.”
Goldberg recommends chatting with a therapist who specializes in eating disorders or considering family therapy, “where a therapist can help guide discussions, explore options, and understand the teen’s and parent’s perspectives.” Ultimately, provide a safe area for your child Coming to share their thoughts is more important than anything else, especially the tags inside their clothes or the number on the scale.
