Tatyana Meshcheryakova | Childhood Obesity News

Yale Study: Hunger Neurons in Weight Loss

Tatyana Meshcheryakova August 17, 2026 No Comments

For years, scientists believed that a group of brain cells known as agouti-related peptide, or AgRP, neurons played a straightforward role in metabolism: They stimulated hunger and resisted weight loss.

New research from Yale suggests the story is far more complicated.

In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), researchers found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications, appears to activate AgRP neurons rather than suppress them. Even more surprisingly, the study indicates that these hunger-promoting neurons may be necessary for maintaining the fat loss produced by the medication.

The findings challenge a long-standing assumption about the brain’s hunger circuitry and may help explain why newer GLP-1 therapies generate more substantial and lasting results than earlier weight-loss drugs.

Mateus d’Ávila, a Ph.D. candidate in neuroscience working in Tamas Horvath’s lab in the Department of Comparative Medicine at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) and first author of the study, said:

This completely changes how we think about the mechanism involved in these medications and provides new insight into the biology underlying their long-term effects, opening an avenue for the development of more efficient drugs.

The arrival of Ozempic and related GLP-1 therapies changed expectations, with some patients achieving sustained reductions of 10% to 15% of their body weight or more. Scientists know that these medications can reduce appetite and food intake. But appetite suppression alone may not fully account for their effectiveness.

Previous generations of weight-loss drugs could also substantially reduce hunger, yet they did not consistently produce the same degree of lasting weight loss as seen with semaglutide. That difference led the Yale team to suspect that GLP-1 medications were affecting additional biological systems.

One prominent theory held that the drugs worked partly by reducing the activity of AgRP neurons. Located in the brain’s hypothalamus, these neurons are strongly associated with hunger and feeding behavior. Because they encourage animals to seek and consume food, it seemed reasonable to assume that successful weight-loss treatments would need to inhibit them.

However, the role of AgRP neurons during long-term GLP-1 treatment had not been directly tested in a living organism. The Yale researchers set out to fill that gap.

Using a mouse model, the team combined several experimental approaches to examine what happened during semaglutide treatment. They tracked changes in body weight, food consumption, metabolism and energy expenditure.

The researchers also used genetic techniques to selectively remove or silence AgRP neurons. This allowed them to test whether the neurons merely responded to semaglutide or were actually required for the medication’s sustained effects.

The study results are striking. In mice genetically modified to lack AgRP neurons, GLP-1 treatment could initiate weight loss but could not sustain it. That suggested the neurons traditionally viewed as opponents of weight reduction were, in fact, helping preserve the drug’s long-term benefits.

Further investigations using electron microscopy, molecular biology and electrophysiology produced another unexpected finding: Semaglutide activated the AgRP neurons instead of inhibiting them. The researchers propose that this activation reflects the brain’s adaptation to the calorie deficit produced by GLP-1 treatment.

When calorie intake declines, AgRP neurons become more active as part of the body’s normal response to an energy shortage. Their best-known function is to increase hunger. The new study, however, suggests that their role is not limited to driving food intake. Under semaglutide treatment, the neurons may also participate in coordinating the loss of body fat.

In other words, the same neural system that signals a need for food may also help the body manage its energy stores during prolonged weight loss. This does not mean that hunger itself causes weight loss. Rather, it points to a previously unrecognized interaction between semaglutide, the brain’s response to calorie restriction, and the biological processes that determine whether lost weight stays off.

The discovery adds an important layer of complexity to scientists’ understanding of GLP-1 medications. Instead of simply shutting down the brain’s hunger signals, semaglutide may recruit parts of the hunger system and redirect their activity in ways that support sustained changes in body fat.

Because the study was conducted in mice, the results cannot yet be assumed to apply directly to humans. Researchers will need to determine whether the same neural mechanism operates in people taking semaglutide and other GLP-1 medications.

Still, identifying how the brain adapts during treatment could influence the next generation of obesity therapies. A more complete understanding of AgRP neurons might help scientists develop medications that preserve the benefits of GLP-1 drugs while improving their effectiveness, reducing unwanted effects, or helping a broader group of patients maintain weight loss.

d’Ávila said,

By identifying a previously unrecognized neural mechanism involved in sustaining weight loss, our work provides new biological insights that could eventually help researchers design therapies that are even more effective or have fewer side effects.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “New study may change how we think about GLP-1s,” Yale News, 8/10/26
Source: “AgRP neurons are required for the weight-lowering effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in female mice,” PNAS, 8/4/26
Image by denis1203.

Are GLP-1 Medications Replacing Bariatric Surgery?

Tatyana Meshcheryakova August 12, 2026 No Comments

The treatment landscape for obesity is changing rapidly, particularly among adolescents and young adults. New research suggests that GLP-1 medications have quickly become the most common medical treatment for younger people with obesity, while the use of metabolic and bariatric surgery has declined substantially.

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that the number of adolescents and young adults receiving GLP-1 medications increased sharply between 2022 and 2025-2026. During the same period, the proportion undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery dropped significantly.

The findings offer a glimpse into how quickly obesity treatment has evolved as medications such as semaglutide have become more widely available. They also raise important questions about equitable access to treatment.

Researchers from the study examined real-world treatment patterns among more than 204,000 adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 29 who received obesity treatment. The team compared treatment during two periods: May through November 2022, before semaglutide became widely available for adolescents with obesity, and June 2025 through January 2026, when GLP-1 medications were much more established in obesity care.

Researchers looked at whether patients received GLP-1 medications, metabolic and bariatric surgery, or both. They also examined differences related to age, sex, race and ethnicity, insurance status, and neighborhood socioeconomic conditions.

The results showed a striking change in how younger patients were treated. In 2022, 88.2% of patients receiving obesity treatment were treated exclusively with GLP-1 medications. By 2025-2026, that figure had risen to 96.1%. At the same time, the proportion of patients receiving metabolic and bariatric surgery declined from 11.6% to 3.7%.

Combination treatment remained uncommon. Only about 0.2% of patients received both GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery during the study periods.

According to lead researcher Sarah Messiah, Ph.D., M.P.H., the study represents a major turning point in pediatric and young-adult obesity treatment. She said:

Our team’s study captures an inflection point in pediatric obesity treatment… While only a small proportion of adolescents and young adults currently receive both therapies, combination treatment was virtually nonexistent before GLP-1 medications became widely available. We’re now seeing clinicians integrate these therapies in different ways as obesity care continues to evolve.

Does this mean bariatric surgery is going away? Not necessarily.

The study does not establish that GLP-1 medications are superior to bariatric surgery, nor does it suggest that surgery is no longer an important treatment option. Instead, the findings demonstrate how the availability of highly effective medications has changed clinical practice.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery remains an established treatment option for some adolescents and young adults with severe obesity, particularly when other approaches have not produced sufficient results. GLP-1 medications offer another option that can be used without surgery, potentially changing how doctors and families approach treatment decisions.

For some patients, medication may be preferred because it avoids an operation. Others may benefit from surgical treatment based on their individual health needs, severity of obesity, response to previous treatments, and other medical considerations.

While the rapid growth of GLP-1 use is significant, the study also revealed disparities in who receives these medications. Older patients, patients with commercial insurance, and people living in higher-income neighborhoods were more likely to receive GLP-1 treatment.

Those differences suggest that simply having effective obesity medications available does not mean every patient has equal access to them. Insurance coverage, medication costs, healthcare availability, and socioeconomic circumstances can all influence whether a patient is able to receive treatment.

This is particularly important as obesity medications become a more prominent part of care for adolescents and young adults. If access remains concentrated among people with greater financial resources or more comprehensive insurance, existing health disparities could persist or widen.

For families navigating childhood or young-adult obesity, the research highlights how quickly treatment options are changing. Just a few years ago, bariatric surgery was one of the major medical interventions available for young people with severe obesity who needed more intensive treatment. Today, GLP-1 medications are increasingly becoming part of the conversation.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “GLP-1 drugs are changing how teens and young adults treat obesity,” Consumer Affairs, 8/4/26
Source: “GLP-1 use rising rapidly among U.S. adolescents, young adults,” UT Southwestern Medical Center, 7/20/26
Image by Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels

Italy’s Childhood Obesity Crisis

Tatyana Meshcheryakova July 29, 2026 No Comments

For decades, Italy has been celebrated as the birthplace of the Mediterranean diet — a lifestyle centered on vegetables, legumes, whole grains, olive oil, fish, and fresh ingredients that has long been associated with good health and longevity. Today, however, many health experts say that image no longer reflects reality.

Italy is now facing a growing childhood obesity crisis, particularly in the country’s southern regions. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Italian children are among the most overweight in Europe, and communities around Naples have some of the highest childhood overweight rates in the country.

In a recent BBC article, 17-year-old Salvatore knows firsthand how devastating severe obesity can be. Weighing approximately 170 kilograms (375 pounds), even simple daily activities have become difficult. Walking is a struggle, tying his shoes is nearly impossible, and his scooter has repeatedly broken under the strain of his weight.

Doctors say his condition has become so severe that he cannot yet undergo bariatric surgery because the procedure would be too risky. Instead, physicians have prescribed a GLP-1 medication to help reduce his appetite and lower his weight enough to safely undergo surgery in the future.

His story reflects a larger trend that obesity specialists across Italy say they are seeing with increasing frequency. According to bariatric surgeon Dr. Sonja Chiappetta, the age of patients seeking treatment has dropped dramatically over the past decade.

Where severe obesity once primarily affected middle-aged adults, many patients are now teenagers, some as young as 16 years old. The increase has led to greater demand for bariatric procedures, which reduce stomach size and help patients eat less food.

For many young people, however, surgery is only one piece of treatment. Doctors often recommend weight-loss medications, nutrition counseling, and long-term lifestyle changes before surgery becomes an option.

So, what happened to the much-touted Mediterranean Diet? Researchers say Italy’s eating habits have changed substantially over the past several decades.

The traditional Mediterranean diet that once emphasized fresh produce, beans, seafood, whole grains, and olive oil has increasingly been replaced by highly processed foods, oversized portions, sugary drinks, and calorie-dense convenience meals.

Longevity researcher Dr. Valter Longo estimates that only a small percentage of Italians still consistently follow the traditional Mediterranean eating pattern.

Instead, he describes today’s diet as revolving around what he calls the “five Ps” — pizza, pasta, potatoes, protein, and pane, the Italian word for bread.

Even familiar foods have changed. Pizza, once relatively simple, is now commonly topped with fries, sausage, fried foods, and other calorie-rich ingredients that significantly increase its nutritional impact.

Pediatric obesity specialists say one of the biggest challenges is that many parents don’t realize their child has obesity. Children often arrive at medical appointments because of symptoms such as stomach pain, digestive problems, or chronic coughing, while excess weight goes largely unnoticed by their families.

Doctors explain that obesity usually develops gradually through everyday habits rather than one unhealthy meal. Frequent snacking, sugary beverages, highly processed foods, limited fruit and vegetable intake, and oversized portions can slowly contribute to unhealthy weight gain over time.

Many parents believe their children are active enough because they participate in sports or recreational activities. While physical activity is important, experts emphasize that exercise alone often cannot offset poor dietary habits.

Health professionals say cultural attitudes toward body weight can also delay intervention. In some Italian families, a child with rosy cheeks or extra weight may still be viewed as healthy rather than at risk for future medical problems.

Teachers have noticed this disconnect as well. Some educators report concerns about students whose weight may affect their health, yet conversations with families do not always lead to concern or action.

Experts believe schools can play an important role by teaching children about nutrition, hoping those lessons eventually influence family habits at home. Several regions of Italy have launched educational programs aimed at improving children’s nutrition knowledge.

One initiative in Naples will reach more than 17,000 students across dozens of schools while also providing resources for parents. The goal is to encourage healthier eating habits throughout the household rather than focusing solely on the child.

Not every student believes education alone will change behavior. Some teenagers acknowledge they already understand what foods are healthy but continue choosing junk food because it is convenient, appealing, and widely available.

Others believe nutrition education can still make a meaningful difference by helping young people understand the long-term consequences of their choices. Recognizing the complexity of obesity, Italy became the first country in 2025 to pass national legislation officially recognizing obesity as a chronic, progressive, and relapsing disease.

The law reflects a growing understanding that obesity is influenced by many factors beyond willpower, including genetics, biology, environment, food availability, culture, and socioeconomic conditions. This shift encourages healthcare providers to treat obesity as a medical condition requiring comprehensive care instead of simply blaming individuals for their weight.

For teenagers like Salvatore, these interventions represent more than weight loss; they offer the possibility of improved mobility, better health, and the opportunity to participate more fully in everyday life.

As Italy works to reclaim the healthy traditions that once defined its cuisine, healthcare professionals hope a renewed focus on nutrition, education, and comprehensive medical care can help reverse the growing childhood obesity epidemic before another generation is affected.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Pizza, pasta, potatoes, protein — how Italian children became so overweight,” BBC, 7/25/26
Source: “The country that inspired the Mediterranean diet is now battling a childhood obesity crisis. What went wrong?,” The Times of India, 7/26/26
Source: “Italy Faces Childhood Obesity Crisis Amidst Declining Mediterranean Diet,” Ratorarti.com, 7/27/26
Image by Klaus Nielsen/Pexels

Yes to Prevention, But Also Access to Care

Tatyana Meshcheryakova July 22, 2026 No Comments

In her opinion piece in El Paso Matters, Dr. Lourdes Asiain, a pediatrician with more than 20 years of experience, makes a case for insurance coverage for treatment of obesity. We’ve also emphasized multiple times the importance of access to the best tools possible, not just to treat already-existing obesity but also to prevent it.

Fat-shaming and creating stigma around childhood obesity helps no one, and is likely coming from misguided notions and ignorance. We don’t know that person’s struggle, or their family’s. It might be an unfortunate side effect of a medical condition, or a side effect of the medication a person is taking for that condition. It might be caused by the situation in the family, or at school, or anywhere.

For years, childhood obesity has often been viewed as a problem that can be solved simply by eating less and exercising more. However, pediatric obesity specialists say that understanding has changed dramatically. Today, obesity is recognized as a complex chronic disease influenced by genetics, biology, hormones, environmental factors, and lifestyle — not a lack of willpower.

Despite significant advances in treatment, many families still struggle to access effective medical care because insurance coverage remains limited. As a result, children who could benefit from evidence-based therapies are often left without the support they need until serious health complications develop.

Childhood obesity continues to affect millions of young people across the United States. In Texas alone (where the author of the opinion piece lives), approximately one in four children between the ages of 6 and 17 is living with obesity, placing the state among those with the highest childhood obesity rates in the country.

We might sound like a broken record, but it’s worth repeating. Obesity can have lifelong consequences, such as an increased risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and more.

The effects extend beyond physical health. Many children also experience bullying, social isolation, anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem, which can affect academic performance and overall quality of life.

Medical organizations increasingly emphasize that obesity should be treated like other chronic diseases. Instead of assigning blame, physicians encourage families to understand the biological factors that contribute to weight gain.

Dr. Asiain writes:

We would never tell a child with asthma, diabetes or cancer to simply “try harder” to overcome their condition. Yet, children living with obesity routinely face blame, stigma and judgment rather than receiving medical care. This stigma is uniquely destructive for young people still developing their sense of identity, confidence and self-worth.

Recognizing obesity as a disease rather than a personal failure can be transformative for families. It shifts the conversation away from guilt and toward treatment, allowing children and parents to focus on managing a medical condition instead of carrying unnecessary shame.

Today’s approach to pediatric obesity, Dr. Asiain points out, is far more comprehensive than it was just a decade ago. She writes:

Fortunately, medical science has advanced. Comprehensive obesity care includes nutrition counseling, behavioral interventions, physical activity support, FDA-approved medications, and, when clinically appropriate, metabolic and bariatric surgery — supported by telehealth to reach our rural communities. These treatments are not shortcuts. They are evidence-based medical interventions for a serious, costly chronic disease.

When patients in my practice have coverage for modern obesity treatments, the results are remarkable. I see significant weight loss, normalized lipid profiles and reversal of prediabetes.

While effective treatments exist, affordability remains one of the biggest obstacles for many families. Critics argue that insurance policies often cover illnesses caused by obesity, such as diabetes or heart disease, while refusing to pay for treatments that could help prevent those conditions in the first place. This creates a frustrating situation where families may be forced to wait until a child’s health worsens before coverage becomes available.

According to Dr. Asiain:

As physicians, we should never have to tell a suffering family that an effective treatment exists but is denied to them by an insurance loophole.

Experts agree that prevention remains essential. Access to healthy foods, regular physical activity, safe neighborhoods, and nutrition education all play important roles in reducing childhood obesity rates. However, prevention alone cannot help children who are already living with obesity. Those children often require individualized medical care, just as they would for asthma, diabetes, or other chronic conditions.

In another opinion piece, Dr. Barry Ramo drives this point home (which is something we’ve been doing as well). Research shows that family-based weight management programs can improve children’s weight and body mass index (BMI). To support healthier lifestyles, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the “5-2-1-0” approach: eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, limit recreational screen time to two hours, get one hour of physical activity each day, and avoid sugary drinks. Together, these simple guidelines encourage better nutrition, more exercise, and healthier routines for the entire family.

Treating obesity early may reduce the risk of serious health complications later in life while helping children develop greater confidence, improved mental health, and a better overall quality of life.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Opinion: Children with obesity deserve access to treatment, not stigma,” El Paso Matters, 7/15/26
Source: “Family-focused plan offers simple steps to address childhood obesity,” KOAT.com, 7/15/26
Image by Yan Krukau/Pexels

How Young Is Too Young for GLP-1 Meds?

Tatyana Meshcheryakova July 17, 2026 No Comments

GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound have reshaped obesity treatment for adults and are increasingly being used to help adolescents with obesity. Now, a more challenging question is taking center stage: Should these medications be used in even younger children?

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved some GLP-1 medications for adolescents ages 12 and older who meet specific criteria, a small but growing number of physicians are prescribing them off-label for elementary school-age children with severe obesity. The trend has sparked debate among healthcare providers, researchers, and parents over whether early intervention outweighs the unknown long-term risks.

Not all GLP-1 medications are approved for pediatric obesity treatment, and those that are have age restrictions. Wegovy, for example, is approved for chronic weight management in adolescents aged 12 and older who have obesity and meet certain medical requirements.

Doctors generally reserve these medications for children whose obesity has not improved despite comprehensive lifestyle interventions, including healthier eating habits, increased physical activity, and behavioral support.

The medications are not intended for children who simply want to lose weight. Instead, they are considered for young people with obesity who face increased risks for serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease.

Many obesity specialists argue that treating obesity early may prevent lifelong health complications. Clinical trials have shown that GLP-1 medications can produce significant weight loss in adolescents when combined with lifestyle changes. Physicians who support their use view obesity as a chronic disease that often requires medical treatment alongside healthy habits.

For some children with severe obesity, waiting until adulthood may allow health problems to progress. Dr. Jessica Reilly, medical director of the Strong4Life pediatric obesity clinic at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, sees the consequences firsthand:

I see kids who have developed Type 2 diabetes at 10, 11 years old… They need help so desperately.

Although GLP-1 medications are approved for obesity beginning at age 12, some physicians are prescribing them off-label for children as young as six. One widely reported example involves nine-year-old twins Ayden and Kayden Gatlin-Wright. After years of unsuccessful efforts with diet, exercise, and nutritional counseling, doctors discovered the brothers carried a genetic mutation that affects feelings of fullness and increases their risk of obesity.

Despite working closely with healthcare professionals, their body mass index (BMI) continued to rise, and by age seven, they showed elevated blood sugar levels, abnormal cholesterol, and signs of liver dysfunction.

Their parents decided to pursue off-label treatment with Wegovy, paying approximately $700 every four weeks out of pocket for both children.

The medication appears to be helping. According to reports, Ayden’s BMI has declined by about 5%, while Kayden’s has fallen by roughly 7%. Beyond the numbers, their parents say the boys are developing healthier habits and enjoying more energy.

Despite encouraging early results, many pediatric experts urge caution. One of the biggest concerns is the lack of long-term research on children who might remain on these medications for many years — or even decades.

Questions remain about:

How long children may need to stay on GLP-1 medications
Whether weight returns after treatment stops
The effects of long-term use on growth and development
Potential nutritional deficiencies if children eat significantly less
Whether medication could unintentionally replace healthy lifestyle habits

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Although uncommon, more serious complications can include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease.

Dr. Sarah Hampl, who works in the pediatric obesity program at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, believes more research is needed before expanding treatment to younger children. She said:

We do not have enough evidence to safely prescribe under 12 at this point… I think that potential is there for positive impact, but there are not enough studies yet.

Drug manufacturers are also proceeding cautiously. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy, does not promote off-label prescribing, although it is studying the medication in children as young as six. Eli Lilly is conducting similar research with Zepbound.

Even among families who have seen success with GLP-1 medications, the goal is not lifelong dependence on the drugs. The parents of Ayden and Kayden hope the medication will provide a window of opportunity for their sons to establish sustainable habits that last well beyond treatment. As their father explained:

They can learn to manage themselves, the exercise, the healthy habits, read their bodies properly. The goal is for them to learn that, you know, as they grow, this is going to be their life.

This perspective reflects the broader approach recommended by obesity specialists, who generally view medication as one part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes nutrition, physical activity, behavioral counseling, and family support.

Even for patients who qualify, obtaining GLP-1 medications can be difficult because of cost and insurance coverage. To improve access for eligible older adults, Medicare launched the temporary GLP-1 Bridge Program on July 1. The program allows qualifying Medicare Part D beneficiaries to receive eligible weight-loss medications, including Wegovy and certain formulations of Zepbound, for a $50 monthly copay while broader coverage policies continue to evolve.

Families with younger children, however, often face significant financial barriers. Off-label prescriptions are frequently not covered by insurance, leaving parents responsible for hundreds of dollars each month.

For now, experts remain divided. While some see early treatment as an opportunity to prevent serious disease, others believe the science has not yet caught up with the growing interest in prescribing these medications to children under 12.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Fact Check Team: How young is too young for GLP-1 medications?,” The National News Desk, 7/10/26
Source: “Kids as young as six are being given weight-loss drugs as a way to curb obesity before it gets too late,” The Independent, 06/22/26
Image by Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

Ways to Quiet Food Noise in Children

Tatyana Meshcheryakova July 8, 2026 No Comments

For many people, the term “food noise” became familiar through conversations about GLP-1 weight-loss medications such as Wegovy. However, health experts emphasize that food noise isn’t limited to adults. Children and teenagers can also experience persistent thoughts about food that affect their emotional well-being, relationships with eating, and overall quality of life.

Much has been written about food noise on this blog, but it doesn’t hurt to revisit this topic with emphasis on food noise in kids in particular and what parents can do to quiet it. But first, let’s briefly reiterate what food noise is, how it develops, and what signs to look for.

According to pediatrician Daniel Ganjian, M.D., FAAP, food noise is “the constant, intrusive chatter in a person’s mind regarding food, eating, and cravings.” (He is quoted in a recent article focusing on the topic in Parents magazine.) For some kids, it becomes challenging to focus on school, sports, friendships, or other daily activities.

So, how does food noise develop? Experts say that it doesn’t necessarily have one cause. Instead, it results from several factors working in tandem. Those can include genetics, hormonal changes, and exposure to food advertising targeted at kids. And because children’s brains are still maturing, they may have a harder time managing repetitive thoughts and cravings than adults.

For someone who has never experienced food noise, it can be difficult to understand. Therapist and certified eating disorders specialist Alli Spotts-De Lazzer, LMFT, LPCC, CEDS-C, compares it to having a song endlessly repeating in your head. Just as a catchy holiday tune can play on repeat long after you’ve left the store, food-related thoughts can continually return throughout the day.

She explains:

There’s nearly always food close by, available, or purchasable, and there can feel like an urgency to act on the noise to quiet it.

While food noise is frequently discussed alongside obesity, experts caution that its effects go well beyond body weight. According to Gabriella Clarke, RD, LD, CEDS-C, persistent thoughts about food can take an emotional toll:

Some children may feel as though their thoughts about food are out of control, and this has the potential to increase feelings of guilt or shame with eating.

While parents cannot eliminate food noise entirely, they can create habits and routines that help reduce its intensity. Those include sticking to eating routines, for one. Regular meals and snacks help children know when food will be available, reducing anxiety and uncertainty.

Pediatric endocrinologist Michelle Maresca, M.D., says:

When a child can anticipate when they will next eat, they are less likely to obsess over it.

Eating consistently throughout the day also helps prevent extreme hunger, which can lead to overeating before fullness cues have time to register. Experts generally recommend offering three balanced meals along with two or three planned snacks, rather than allowing long gaps between eating opportunities.

Another example is to keep meals distraction-free: no screens at the table (TV, tablets, phones, etc.). This will ideally result in children focusing on eating, conversation, and recognizing when they feel full.

Unfortunately, completely banning favorite foods may unintentionally make them even more appealing. To reduce feelings of deprivation and lessen the urge to overeat them later, parents can occasionally allow desirable foods but overall consistently offer balanced, healthy meals.

Nutrition experts also recommend not labeling food as “good” or “bad.” Giving foods moral labels may increase a child’s preoccupation with eating and give their food choices unnecessary emotional weight. So avoid terms like “junk food,” “cheat foods,” or calling desserts “treats.”

Finally, mind how you talk about people’s bodies in front of your kids, and with your kids, including their own. Children learn from what they hear at home. Conversations about dieting, weight, or criticizing your own body can influence how they think about themselves. Experts encourage parents to avoid assigning value to bodies based on size, shape, or appearance. Focusing instead on health, strength, enjoyment, and self-care helps build a more positive body image.

Easier said than done, we know. But parents can play an instrumental role in shaping their kids’ relationship with food early on. Knowing this should be (ideally) encouragement enough.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Why ‘Food Noise’ Can Start in Childhood — and 5 Ways Parents Can Help,” Parents, 7/3/26
Source: “The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Body Image: A Comprehensive Review,” NIH.gov, 8/26/25
Image by Nadine Sh/Pexels

Some Doctors Are Prescribing GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs to Children Under 12

Tatyana Meshcheryakova July 1, 2026 No Comments

How young is too young for GLP-1 meds? The use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications in children continues to expand, but a growing number of physicians are raising questions about whether these drugs should be prescribed to children younger than 12 years old.

Although medications such as Wegovy (semaglutide) are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating obesity in adolescents ages 12 and older, some physicians are prescribing them off-label to younger children with severe obesity. The practice reflects the difficult choices doctors face as childhood obesity rates rise and obesity-related health complications appear at increasingly younger ages.

At the same time, many pediatric specialists caution that there is still too little research to understand the long-term effects of these medications on young children’s growth and development.

As has been established, GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Wegovy, help regulate appetite by slowing stomach emptying and increasing feelings of fullness, often leading to significant weight loss. For children under 12, however, these medications have not been approved by the FDA for obesity treatment. Physicians who prescribe them are doing so off-label, which is a legal and common medical practice in some circumstances when a doctor believes the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

According to reporting by The Wall Street Journal, some pediatric obesity specialists say they are seeing severe obesity-related complications in children at increasingly younger ages. Conditions that were once considered adult diseases, including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and fatty liver disease, are now appearing in children as young as four years old. Four! Just think about that.

Doctors who support earlier use of GLP-1 medications argue that traditional interventions often do not produce enough weight loss for children with severe obesity. While intensive nutrition counseling, physical activity programs, and behavioral therapy remain the foundation of treatment, many children continue to struggle despite these efforts. For some families, physicians believe medication may offer another tool to reduce health risks before permanent complications develop.

Despite the potential benefits, many experts urge caution. One of the biggest concerns is the lack of long-term research involving younger children. Scientists still do not fully understand how years of GLP-1 treatment might affect a child’s bone growth, brain development, nutritional status, and future weight regulation after stopping medication.

Because children are still growing physically and neurologically, specialists say more evidence is needed before these medications can be widely recommended for elementary school-aged patients. Some physicians also worry about whether children who stop taking the medications could rapidly regain weight, potentially creating additional health challenges later in life.

Current recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continue to emphasize intensive, family-based behavioral treatment as the first-line approach for childhood obesity. The AAP recommends intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment for children six years and older with obesity.

Another recommendation is to consider weight-loss medications beginning at age 12, when appropriate, as an addition to lifestyle treatment. The organization does not currently recommend routine use of anti-obesity medications in children younger than 12 because there is insufficient evidence regarding safety and effectiveness in this age group.

Dr. Sarah Hampl, who chaired the development of the AAP’s obesity treatment guideline, has stated that more research is needed before these medications can be safely recommended for younger children. Although these medications are not yet approved for younger children, research continues.

Drug manufacturers, including Novo Nordisk, are conducting clinical trials evaluating medications such as Wegovy and Saxenda in children as young as six years old. These studies aim to determine whether the medications are both safe and effective in younger pediatric populations. The results could eventually influence future FDA approvals and pediatric treatment guidelines.

The debate highlights the difficult decisions physicians and families face when treating severe childhood obesity. On one hand, delaying effective treatment may allow obesity-related diseases to progress during critical developmental years. On the other hand, introducing medications before long-term safety is fully understood raises legitimate concerns about children’s growth, development, and lifelong health.

For now, experts generally agree that healthy nutrition, increased physical activity, behavioral support, and family involvement remain the cornerstone of pediatric obesity care. Whether GLP-1 medications will become a standard treatment for children under 12 will likely depend on the results of ongoing clinical research.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Wegovy and other GLP-1s are reaching kids,” NewsNation, 6/28/26
Source: “When Diets Don’t Work: Parents Turn to Wegovy for Elementary School Kids,” The Wall Street Journal, 6/22/26
Source: “Efficacy and Safety of GLP-1 RAs in Children and Adolescents With Obesity or Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” NIH.gov, 12/1/25
Image by Atlantic Ambience/Pexels

Chile’s Food Policies Linked to Lower Childhood Obesity Rates

Tatyana Meshcheryakova June 24, 2026 No Comments

Over the years, our head writer, Pat Hartman, has tirelessly covered how advertising to children, along with questionable food additives designed to appeal to kids’ palates, can lead to increased obesity rates. Here’s just one of the many snippets:

Weird stuff inside the food, and enticing, persuasive words about the food: Both in their own distinctive ways are responsible for the overwhelming wave of obesity that has engulfed society…

When it comes to pouring enormous amounts of money into the economy, visual and auditory stimuli both play their parts. Every little purchase of a convenience-store doughnut, glimpsed by someone who just went in there to pay for gas, performs its role in the overall ascendency of food.

Now, a major new study suggests that comprehensive food policies designed to limit children’s exposure to unhealthy foods may help reduce childhood obesity.

Researchers found that Chile’s nationwide strategy, which combines front-of-package (FOP) warning labels, restrictions on food marketing, and regulations governing foods sold in schools, was associated with measurable declines in excess weight among young children. Published in The Lancet, the observational study provides some of the strongest evidence to date that a coordinated policy approach can positively influence children’s health population-wide.

Apparently, Chile has long struggled with high rates of childhood overweight and obesity. In response, the country implemented the Food Labelling and Advertising Law (FLAL) in 2016, a sweeping set of regulations often described as one of the world’s most ambitious food policy initiatives.

The law introduced highly visible front-of-package warning labels on foods and beverages high in sugar, sodium, saturated fat, or calories. It also restricted the marketing of these products to children and prohibited their sale in schools. How impressive is that?

Researchers examined data from more than 321,000 children enrolled in prekindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade between 2012 and 2017. Their analysis found that children exposed to the policy had a lower likelihood of developing excess weight.

Among children between six and 18 months of age, exposure to the regulations was associated with approximately a 2% reduction in the probability of excess weight. While that number may appear modest, researchers note that even small improvements during early childhood can produce meaningful health benefits later in life.

According to the study’s authors, the greatest strength of Chile’s approach lies in the way multiple policies reinforce one another.

Dr. Guillermo Paraje, professor of Economics at the Adolfo Ibáñez University Business School and the study’s lead author, believes countries considering similar measures should avoid relying on a single intervention. He said:

This is because integrated policies usually work better than single ones… It makes no sense to have a good FOP labels system and to allow food companies to target children with their advertisements, giving them toys with their products or luring them with cartoons.

The study found that children who experienced the first phase of the FLAL demonstrated meaningful reductions in overweight risk. The strongest effects were observed among children exposed during kindergarten and first grade. Girls experienced a 2.85% lower probability of excess weight, while boys saw a 2.4% reduction.

Even children with shorter periods of exposure benefited. Girls who were exposed for only six months or during first grade alone had a 1.91% lower probability of excess weight, while boys showed a 2.24% reduction. (Researchers used data from Chile’s Nutritional Map and Vulnerability Survey to evaluate the law’s impact.)

Despite growing evidence supporting food labeling and marketing restrictions, implementation efforts often face opposition from industry groups. One common argument is that stricter regulations could negatively affect employment or economic growth. Dr. Paraje says the available evidence does not support those concerns:

Quite often, industry claims that these policies affect employment. But these claims are unfounded… There are studies published for Chile, Peru, and Mexico showing that, after labeling policies, there were no changes in employment or wages attributable to them.

Dr. Paraje also pointed to recent debates in Argentina, where efforts have emerged to repeal front-of-package labeling regulations adopted in 2022. Critics of repeal efforts argue that the labels have already helped consumers identify less healthy products and make more informed purchasing decisions.

As childhood obesity continues to rise globally, Chile’s experience may provide a useful roadmap for policymakers looking to create healthier food environments and improve children’s long-term health outcomes.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “The impact of Chile’s multipronged food labelling and advertising law on early childhood excess weight: a cohort difference-in-differences study,” The Lancet, 6/11/26
Source: “From Chile to the world: Food policy package linked to lower childhood obesity risk,” Nutrition Insight, 6/19/26
Source: “Combined Food Policies, Including Labeling and Advertising Bans, Plausibly Reduce Childhood Obesity,” Pharmacy Times, 6/17/26
Image by Marcia Salido/Pexels

Medicare Opens the Door to GLP-1 Weight-Loss Medications

Tatyana Meshcheryakova June 17, 2026 No Comments

Beginning July 1, 2026, millions of Medicare beneficiaries living with obesity will gain access to GLP-1 weight-loss medications through a new federal program, marking a significant change in how obesity treatment is covered for older Americans. This is a major step to provide access to weight-loss meds for those who cannot afford them. We can only hope that Medicaid will do the same eventually for all ages, including children.

The initiative, known as the “Medicare GLP-1 Bridge,” was announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in May 2026. The temporary program will allow eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries to obtain certain obesity medications, including semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound), for a fixed monthly cost of $50 through the end of 2027. For many patients, the program represents a long-awaited opportunity to access medications that were previously out of reach due to Medicare coverage restrictions.

Why this change matters

Although obesity affects millions of older adults, Medicare has historically been prohibited from covering medications prescribed solely for weight loss. Since the creation of Medicare Part D in 2006, federal law has excluded weight-loss drugs from routine prescription coverage, leaving many beneficiaries responsible for paying thousands of dollars out of pocket each year.

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is designed as a temporary demonstration program that operates outside of traditional Part D coverage rules. CMS will use the initiative to evaluate the effects of expanding access to obesity medications while lawmakers consider longer-term policy solutions. The launch marks the first time Medicare beneficiaries whose primary diagnosis is obesity will have a dedicated pathway to receive these medications at a significantly reduced cost.

Which medications are included?

CMS has indicated that the program will cover the obesity-specific versions of two widely used GLP-1 medications: Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide). Both drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for chronic weight management and have demonstrated substantial weight-loss benefits in clinical trials.

Eligible participants will pay a flat $50 monthly copayment regardless of where they are in their Part D benefit cycle. However, unlike standard Part D prescriptions, these payments will not count toward Medicare’s annual out-of-pocket spending cap. CMS structured the program this way to help manage costs while testing broader access to obesity treatment.

Who may qualify?

The Bridge program is intended specifically for Medicare beneficiaries whose only reason for taking a GLP-1 medication is obesity treatment. Those who already receive GLP-1 medications through Medicare for other approved conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction, or obstructive sleep apnea, will continue obtaining their medications through their existing Part D coverage rather than through the new demonstration program.

CMS is expected to provide additional details about eligibility requirements before the program launches. Those details may include body mass index (BMI) criteria, documentation requirements, and any prior authorization procedures that participating plans may require. Beneficiaries should watch for information from their Medicare Part D plans in the coming weeks and discuss potential eligibility with their healthcare providers.

A broader expansion of GLP-1 access

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is just one of several developments reshaping access to obesity medications in 2026. Another CMS initiative, the BALANCE (Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive hEalth) Model, allows state Medicaid programs to voluntarily expand coverage for GLP-1 medications used to treat obesity. The program began accepting participating states in May 2026 and is intended to make obesity treatment more affordable for lower-income Americans.

At the same time, efforts to reduce out-of-pocket costs in the commercial market are also underway. Pricing agreements announced in late 2025 are expected to lower costs for cash-paying consumers purchasing GLP-1 medications outside of insurance coverage. Industry observers also anticipate the arrival of oral GLP-1 medications currently in late-stage development, which could further expand access and affordability in the coming years.

Cost remains a major challenge

Despite growing availability, affordability continues to be one of the biggest barriers to obesity treatment. Surveys consistently show that many patients struggle to pay for GLP-1 medications, especially when insurance coverage is unavailable or limited. Even with recent price reductions, monthly costs remain prohibitive for some individuals.

The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge addresses part of that challenge by offering eligible beneficiaries access to leading obesity medications for a predictable $50 monthly payment. While the program is temporary and does not solve all coverage issues, it represents a meaningful step toward making evidence-based obesity treatment more accessible.

Being cautiously optimistic

The launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge on July 1 could serve as an important test case for future Medicare coverage of obesity medications. If the program demonstrates positive health outcomes and manageable costs, it may influence future policy decisions regarding permanent coverage options for a broader range of the population.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Medicare Is About to Cover Weight-Loss Drugs for the First Time — Here’s What the GLP-1 Bridge Program Means for Millions of Americans with Obesity,” Medical Daily, 6/10/26
Source: “Coming Soon: CMS to Provide $50 Monthly Access to GLP-1 Medications for Medicare Beneficiaries,” CMS.gov, 5/6/26
Source: “What to Know About the BALANCE Model for GLP-1s in Medicare and Medicaid and the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge,” KFF.org, 5/11/26
Image by MART PRODUCTION/Pexels

Fathers Play a Big Role in Childhood Obesity Risk

Tatyana Meshcheryakova June 12, 2026 No Comments

When discussing childhood obesity, most conversations focus on mothers’ health during pregnancy and early childhood. However, emerging research suggests that fathers may have a significant influence on a child’s future weight and metabolic health long before conception even occurs.

A recent review published in Current Obesity Reports highlights the growing evidence that fathers contribute to obesity risk across generations through biological, behavioral, and environmental factors. The findings suggest that efforts to prevent childhood obesity may be more effective when both parents, not just mothers, are included in research, education, and intervention programs.

Research has consistently shown that children are more likely to develop obesity if one or both parents are affected. The risk becomes even greater when both parents have obesity. While genetics play a role, scientists now recognize that obesity is influenced by a complex combination of inherited traits, lifestyle habits, family behaviors, and environmental factors.

How do fathers influence health before conception?

Traditionally, scientists have focused on how maternal health affects a developing baby. The concept known as the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) emphasizes that conditions around conception and pregnancy can shape a child’s lifelong health.

More recently, researchers have expanded this framework to include fathers through the Paternal Origins of Health and Disease (POHaD) model. This approach recognizes that a father’s health before conception may also affect a child’s future risk of obesity and metabolic disease.

According to the review, paternal obesity can influence offspring health through changes in sperm quality and function. Excess body weight in men has been linked to lower sperm concentration, reduced sperm movement, and increased DNA damage within sperm cells. These changes are thought to result from obesity-related disruptions in hormone regulation, inflammation, and metabolic function.

Researchers estimate that men with obesity face a 30% to 66% greater risk of infertility compared to men of healthier weight. Obesity has also been associated with an increased risk of pregnancy loss that cannot be explained by maternal factors alone.

Epigenetics may help explain the connection

Beyond genetics, researchers are investigating how epigenetic changes may influence obesity risk across generations. Epigenetics refers to modifications that affect how genes are expressed without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Obesity has been linked to changes in the epigenetic markers, and some of these alterations may be passed to future offspring.

Scientists believe these changes could affect biological pathways involved in appetite control, insulin function, and fat storage. Animal studies have shown that fathers consuming high-fat diets can pass obesity-related metabolic changes to their offspring.

While researchers are still working to fully understand these mechanisms in humans, one encouraging finding is that some obesity-related epigenetic changes appear to be reversible. Improvements in diet, exercise, and overall health before conception may help reduce potential risks.

Fathers also shape family health habits

A father’s influence extends well beyond biology. Research shows that fatherhood often brings changes in weight and lifestyle habits, and poor dietary habits may negatively affect reproductive health.

After a child is born, fathers continue to influence obesity risk through everyday behaviors and parenting practices. Children frequently model the habits they observe at home. Fathers who prioritize nutritious meals, regular exercise, and active lifestyles can help establish healthy routines for their children. Likewise, fathers who spend more time being sedentary or consuming unhealthy foods may unintentionally reinforce similar behaviors.

Environment and neighborhood matter too

The review emphasizes that obesity risk is not solely determined by individual choices. Social and environmental factors can strongly influence health outcomes for both fathers and children.

Income, education, neighborhood conditions, and food access all affect obesity risk. Families living in areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious foods may rely more heavily on calorie-dense processed foods. Food insecurity has been linked to higher obesity rates in both adults and children.

Access to safe parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces can also influence physical activity levels. When opportunities for exercise are limited, sedentary behavior often increases.

… As does mental health

The review notes that fathers experiencing depression may be less likely to engage in positive parenting behaviors or prioritize preventive healthcare for themselves and their families. This can affect household routines related to nutrition, sleep, and physical activity.

Children who grow up in homes where a parent struggles with depression may also face a greater risk of adverse childhood experiences, which have been associated with long-term health challenges, including obesity.

Finally, the findings suggest that childhood obesity prevention should begin earlier than many people realize and should involve fathers from the start. This means including fathers in preconception counseling, pregnancy education programs, and family-based obesity prevention efforts.

Your responses and feedback are welcome!

Source: “Fathers shape childhood obesity risk long before birth,” News-Medical.net, 6/9/26
Source: “The Role of Fathers in the Intergenerational Transmission of Obesity,” Current Obesity Reports, 5/26/26
Image by Towfiqu barbhuiya/Pexels

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How Young Is Too Young for GLP-1 Meds?

Ways to Quiet Food Noise in Children

Some Doctors Are Prescribing GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs to Children Under 12

Chile’s Food Policies Linked to Lower Childhood Obesity Rates

Medicare Opens the Door to GLP-1 Weight-Loss Medications

Why this change matters

Which medications are included?

Who may qualify?

A broader expansion of GLP-1 access

Cost remains a major challenge

Being cautiously optimistic

Fathers Play a Big Role in Childhood Obesity Risk

How do fathers influence health before conception?

Epigenetics may help explain the connection

Fathers also shape family health habits

Environment and neighborhood matter too

… As does mental health

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