GLP-1 drugs now prescribed for children with BMI over 95th percentile
Medical experts describe the weight-loss medication as a tool for hormonal dysregulation when diet and exercise fail, though costs remain high for families.
By Giulia Donovan ·
Children with a body mass index at or above the 95th percentile are now eligible for prescriptions of GLP-1 agonists, a class of weight-loss drugs widely used by adults.
Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician and host of the program Aging Untold, explained that lifestyle adjustments like increased exercise and reduced calorie intake do not always produce results. She attributed this to genetic factors and hormonal dysregulation that can occur when a child becomes significantly overweight.
Rogers stated that these medications are effective at reducing what she described as food noise and food chatter. She also noted that the drugs have anti-inflammatory properties, which she said can help patients who require medical intervention due to hormone problems.
The medication is not considered a standalone solution. Rogers emphasized that it is a tool within a larger treatment plan, requiring physicians to address the entire medical scenario rather than relying on the drug alone.
For patients diagnosed with diabetes, the minimum age for receiving these prescriptions is 10 years old. For those seeking the medication specifically for weight loss, experts indicated that candidates must have a BMI at or above the 95th percentile and must have already attempted lifestyle changes without success.
Financial costs continue to limit access to the treatment for many families. Rogers acknowledged that the price of GLP-1s remains a barrier, leaving those who cannot afford the medication or choose not to take it to rely on balanced meals and healthy habits.
Students at Magnolia Woods Elementary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are currently participating in a statewide initiative to lower obesity rates. The program teaches healthy eating and exercise, providing a foundational approach to weight management before medical interventions are considered.
