Title: Uptick in U.S. Adolescent Use of Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy Signals Shift in Pediatric Obesity Treatment
In a notable shift toward medical intervention in the fight against pediatric obesity, a growing number of U.S. adolescents have begun treatment with Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug Wegovy. Exclusive data obtained by Reuters reveals that 1,268 children aged 12 to 17 with obesity diagnoses started on Wegovy in the first ten months of 2023, a significant increase from just 25 prescriptions in the previous year.
The surge follows Wegovy’s approval for adolescent use in December 2022 and subsequent endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics for children starting at age 12. Medicaid data from states including Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin mirrors this trend, with at least 464 children prescribed the drug since January 2022.
While these figures represent a fraction of the nearly 14.7 million U.S. children affected by obesity, they indicate a growing acceptance of pharmacological treatments. Wegovy, a once-weekly injection, is the first highly effective option for obesity management outside of surgical intervention. However, its high cost and the limited data on long-term effects are considerations for families and healthcare providers.
Dr. Suzanne Cuda, a pediatric obesity adviser to Novo Nordisk and medical director at Alamo City Healthy Kids and Families, advocates for the use of medications like Wegovy to prevent disease among children and adolescents, as opposed to the “rescue operation” approach often necessary in adults.
One family’s experience highlights the potential benefits of this weight-loss drug. The Small family from Oakland, California, initially hesitant due to concerns about side effects and long-term risks, decided to start their 15-year-old son Billy on Wegovy. Since March 2023, Billy has lost 90 pounds, significantly improving his quality of life and reducing his risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are conducting trials of their weight-loss drugs for children as young as six. The global urgency to address pediatric obesity is reflected in similar approvals for adolescent use of Wegovy in countries like Germany, the UK, Denmark, and the United Arab Emirates.
As the U.S. and other nations explore new therapeutic avenues for weight-related health challenges in youth, insurance coverage becomes a critical factor due to the high cost of such drugs. With evidence suggesting that patients may regain weight after discontinuing medication, the debate continues on the best long-term strategies for managing pediatric obesity.
