A recent investigation has revealed that hundreds of children in England, including some under the age of 12, are receiving prescriptions for GLP-1 medications. These drugs, initially developed for type 2 diabetes, have gained popularity as a weight-loss aid. The data, obtained through freedom of information requests, shows that in the financial year 2025-26, 419 prescriptions were issued to children under 18, with 10 of those for children under 12.
Experts emphasize the need for specialist supervision and long-term monitoring for children taking these medications. Professor Martin Whyte highlights the importance of integrating these drugs within specialist services that provide support for diet, growth, and wellbeing. He also stresses the need for regular monitoring of growth, puberty, nutritional intake, mental health, and eating behaviors.
The use of GLP-1s in children has sparked debate about the causes of childhood obesity, but experts argue against blaming patients or their families. Dr. Dunia Ismail and Professor Julian Hamilton-Shield both stress that obesity is a condition, not a choice, and that GLP-1s can be life-saving for children with severe obesity who have not responded to other treatments.
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