Number of young children prescribed weight-loss drugs surges 310 times

NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The number of young children in the United States under the age of 12 being prescribed weight-loss drugs such as Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound for obesity has surged by 310 times between 2019 and June 2026, according to a new study led by researchers at NYU Langone Health.

The study, published online in the journal Pediatrics on September 4, 2026, reveals that while GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of weight-loss medications, are less commonly prescribed for children aged 8 to 11 with obesity compared to those aged 12 to 17, the rate of prescription has increased dramatically. The prevalence of GLP-1 use among children aged 8 to 11 with obesity, but without diabetes, rose from 0.03 percent in 2019 to 9.3 percent in 2026, marking a 310-fold increase in just seven and a half years.

During the study period, 20,282 children in this age group received GLP-1 medications. The research also highlighted that older children with obesity were more likely to be prescribed these medications, despite clinical guidelines allowing for their use in children as young as 8 years old. Additionally, girls were more frequently prescribed GLP-1 drugs than boys.

The majority of children prescribed GLP-1s had severe obesity, with 93.7 percent of them having a BMI substantially higher than their peers. Moreover, 65.2 percent of these children experienced at least one obesity-related illness, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

Lead investigator and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Babak J. Orandi noted, "Our study provides the first national overview of the use of GLP-1 drugs in young children with obesity and highlights the rapid acceleration of this treatment. While the absolute numbers remain low, the rise is significant and underscores the need for careful and ongoing monitoring."

Dr. Orandi further explained that GLP-1 drugs are highly effective in treating obesity and its metabolic complications, leading to weight loss, better blood sugar regulation, and appetite suppression. However, he emphasized that long-term risks, including the potential for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and liver disease in early adulthood and middle age, exist for children not prescribed these medications.

The study also found that children living in upper-income communities were 55 percent more likely to be prescribed GLP-1 medications than those in lower-income areas. Co-senior author Dr. Allan B. Massie stated, "These prescribing patterns already show a growing divergence in access to valuable treatments, a responsibility that must be addressed by physicians and health policy-makers alike."

Dr. Massie highlighted the importance of ensuring that all children with obesity, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to these potentially life-changing treatments. He added, "Continued monitoring and long-term studies are crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of GLP-1 medications for young patients."

For the study, the researchers used data from Epic Cosmos, a national dataset of electronic health records from over 300 million American patients, including information from 2,067 hospitals and 47,100 health clinics. NYU Langone Health provided funding support for the research.

Dr. Orandi and his colleagues are currently conducting clinical trials involving GLP-1 medications in children as young as 6 years old with obesity, which will provide valuable insights for physicians, policymakers, and parents.

NYU Langone Health, known for its rigorous focus on quality and excellent patient outcomes, continues to be ranked No. 1 in the nation by Vizient Inc. and has the most top-ranked specialties among medical centers in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report.

While the use of GLP-1 medications among young children with obesity is increasing, the study emphasizes the need for careful and ongoing management to ensure the long-term health and well-being of these children.