Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Safe for Children?
Weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are becoming increasingly popular, especially as alternatives to the traditional and often ineffective advice of “eat less and exercise more.” These drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, have gained favor among adults but are also becoming more widely used by children and teenagers (here’s a good rundown on their types, benefits and side effects).
Adolescent use of GLP-1 medications surges
A recent article published on the MedicalXPress website cites a CDC statistic that roughly one in five children in the U.S. is affected by obesity. And, according to a University of [BLOCKQUOTE] study, the use of GLP-1 medications among adolescents has surged, with over 30,000 young people aged 12 to 17 taking the drugs in 2023.
Are weight loss drugs safe for children under 12?
Doctors generally agree that addressing obesity early can prevent future health problems, but prescribing weight loss drugs to children brings its own set of challenges. Dr. Chris Straughn, a pediatrician in Dallas, explains that while research indicates that GLP-1 medications can be effective and safe for children and teens, the available studies only track their effects over a few years. As these drugs are relatively new, more time is needed to fully understand their long-term impact.
Wegovy, a version of Ozempic, is FDA-approved for children as young as 12, though it has not been approved for those younger than 12. There are ongoing studies on its use in younger children, and some research on Saxenda (a precursor to Wegovy) shows it can be effective for kids aged 6 to 12. This kind of research is promising for the potential use of GLP-1s in younger patients.
The study, which included 82 participants, found that when children discontinued Saxenda, their BMI began to increase once more. This suggests that to maintain the weight-related benefits as they grow, children may need to stay on the medication. The findings were presented Tuesday at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Madrid and were also published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Dr. Dan Cooper, a pediatric researcher at UC Irvine, agrees that GLP-1 medications can be useful in certain cases, such as when a child is already developing or has developed diabetes. However, he cautions that the risk-benefit balance is less clear in other children, especially since there is limited research on the long-term effects of GLP-1 use in growing bodies. Puberty is a critical period for bone, muscle, and brain development, and Cooper warns that altering a child’s energy balance during this time could have lasting consequences.
Dr. Cooper reminds parents not to feel ashamed if their child struggles with obesity or weight-related issues. He says,
No one should feel ashamed… Obesity is often driven by biology, and it’s not something to blame yourself or your child for.
The need for alternative solutions
As obesity rates continue to rise, many people are turning to prescription medications like Ozempic for weight loss. However, these drugs come with significant side effects, accessibility challenges, and high costs, highlighting the need for alternative solutions. We’ve discussed them before, including berberine and natural supplements.
A new natural treatment emerges
Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a new, natural, food-grade treatment for obesity that not only helps reduce weight and improve metabolic health but allegedly does so without the negative side effects commonly associated with other medications.
The new treatment, called InuMCT microcapsules, is made from a combination of plant fiber (inulin) and MCT oils derived from coconut and palm kernel oils. This formulation helps reduce inflammation and improve key metabolic markers, such as blood glucose levels.
In a 21-day study, the InuMCT microcapsules demonstrated several significant benefits:
- Weight reduction: The microcapsules led to a substantial decrease in weight gain caused by a typical western diet, which is high in fats and linked to obesity.
- Blood sugar control: Blood sugar levels were reduced by 15%, an important factor in managing both obesity and diabetes.
- Reduced inflammation: Inflammatory markers dropped by 78%, which is crucial, as inflammation is a major contributor to obesity and related diseases.
- Liver health: Liver enzyme levels decreased by up to 47%, as high liver enzymes are often associated with poor diet and obesity.
- Gut health: The microcapsules improved protective gut bacteria by 8.3-fold, supporting the gut lining and helping prevent conditions like “leaky gut syndrome.”
Amin Ariaee, a Ph.D. researcher at UniSA, explains that InuMCT offers a natural solution for obesity and related metabolic conditions:
Obesity is a global epidemic with many complex health issues beyond just weight gain… It’s a state of systemic inflammation driven by complex biochemical processes, rather than just excess calories. Unfortunately, current treatments often overlook the role of the gut microbiome, focusing instead on symptoms like weight and high blood sugar. Additionally, anti-obesity drugs can harm the gut microbiome, leading to unpleasant side effects like nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea, and potentially making long-term inflammation and weight gain worse.”
Our research is different. The InuMCT microcapsules are made from natural, food-grade ingredients that support a healthy gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and effectively address excess weight. The results have been very promising, both in terms of weight reduction and overall metabolic health.
Your responses and feedback are welcome!
Source: “Are weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy safe for kids?,” MedicalXPress, 12/9/24
Source: “Obesity drug worked in children ages 6 to 12, study says, raising hopes and concerns,” StatNews.com, 9/10/24
Source: “New food-grade natural solution created for tackling obesity,” News-Meidcal.net, 12/2/24
Image by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash