Teen use of weight-loss drug Wegovy rose 50% in the U.S. last year, but access, cost, and long-term safety remain critical concerns for families and doctors.
Sharp Uptick in Adolescent Prescriptions
Use of the weight-loss drug Wegovy among U.S. adolescents surged by 50% in 2023, according to new data analyzed by health data firm Truveta. The study, which examined electronic health records of 1.3 million patients aged 12 to 17, shows a notable rise in prescription rates—from 9.9 per 100,000 teens in 2023 to 14.8 last year, with further increases to 17.3 in early 2024.
Growing Trust in a Controversial Option
Approved for adolescents in late 2022, Wegovy has become an increasingly popular choice among families and physicians seeking treatment for severe obesity, after decades of limited success with diet, exercise, and behavioral therapy alone. Despite the uptick, the prescription rate remains modest compared to the estimated 23,000 per 100,000 teens living with obesity in the U.S.
A Divided Medical Landscape
While many specialists see Wegovy as a vital tool, others remain cautious. “It’s promising that more young people are using these medications, but it’s still a very small percentage,” said Dr. Cate Varney of the University of Virginia Health system. Long-term safety for adolescents remains uncertain, and the medication may need to be used indefinitely to maintain weight loss.
Challenges in Access and Affordability
One of the biggest barriers is access. Insurance coverage for obesity treatments—whether medications, counseling, or dietary support—remains limited. At Nemours Children’s Hospital in Delaware, about 25% of the 2,000 adolescents treated last year were prescribed Wegovy or another GLP-1 drug. The rest often faced insurance denials or hesitated over concerns about side effects.
Efficacy and Weight Loss Results
Among patients who received GLP-1 prescriptions, average weight loss was significant—15 pounds in the first 6 to 12 months and up to 30 pounds after a year. However, these figures came with caveats. Some patients experienced muscle loss, and most require long-term or even lifelong use of the drug to sustain progress.
Federal Concerns and Calls for Caution
Despite the growing demand, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has raised red flags about widespread use of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy in children. In a federal report, Kennedy’s office cited a lack of long-term safety data and warned of potential impacts on metabolism and growth.
A Need for More Training and Resources
Doctors like Dr. Robert Siegel at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital emphasized the importance of specialized oversight. “Many primary-care providers lack the training or tools to monitor risks like muscle loss,” he said. He favors beginning with intensive lifestyle changes before considering medication, a strategy supported by other pediatric experts nationwide.
As Wegovy’s use expands among teens, the medical community continues to weigh its benefits against unanswered questions about long-term safety, access, and the role of lifestyle interventions in adolescent health.
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