Weight Loss Medications: Are they right for kids and teens?
4/7/2026 by Mostafa A. Salama, M.B., B.Ch.
Supporting a child or adolescent with obesity can be challenging. It is important to recognize that treatment is not about body shape, but about improving overall health, energy, emotional well-being, and long-term outcomes. Pediatric obesity is associated with multiple health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, sleep apnea, and joint problems, all of which can begin early in life and persist into adulthood if not addressed.
Healthy lifestyle changes remain the cornerstone of treatment. These include balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and strong emotional and family support. Intensive, family-based behavioral interventions are often the most effective first step. However, for some adolescents, lifestyle changes alone may not lead to sufficient improvement. In these cases, prescription medications may be considered as part of a comprehensive, medically supervised treatment plan.
When Are Medications Considered?
Medications are typically considered for adolescents aged 12 years and older who have obesity, particularly when:
Lifestyle interventions alone have not resulted in meaningful improvement
There are obesity-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension)
There is a need to reduce long-term cardiometabolic risk Medication use should always be individualized and closely monitored by a healthcare professional with experience in pediatric weight management.
Medication Classes Used in Adolescents
Several medication classes are approved for use in adolescents and are used in combination with lifestyle and behavioral interventions.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists
These medications have emerged as a cornerstone of pharmacologic treatment for adolescent obesity. They work by enhancing satiety, reducing appetite, and slowing gastric emptying, which helps decrease overall caloric intake. They are administered as injections, either daily or weekly depending on the formulation.
Among currently available options, this class has demonstrated the most substantial and consistent weight reduction in adolescents. In addition to weight loss, they may improve metabolic parameters such as blood glucose, insulin resistance, and lipid profiles.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort, particularly during dose escalation. These effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to improve over time. Careful dose titration and counseling can help improve tolerability. As with all medications, ongoing monitoring is important.
Phentermine/ Topiramate combination therapy:
These oral medications act on central nervous system pathways involved in appetite regulation and reward. By reducing hunger and cravings, they can support meaningful weight reduction in some adolescents.
However, these medications require careful monitoring due to potential side effects, including increased heart rate, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and effects on attention or cognition. They are typically used in selected patients after weighing risks and benefits.
Gastrointestinal fat absorption inhibitors
These medications reduce the absorption of dietary fat in the intestine, leading to a decrease in caloric intake. The expected weight loss is generally modest compared to other options. Their use may be limited by gastrointestinal side effects.
Important Considerations
Weight-loss medications are not a cure for obesity and should not be used in isolation. Their effectiveness depends on integration with healthy lifestyle habits and ongoing behavioral support. Regular follow-up is essential for monitoring. Not every child or adolescent is a candidate for medication, and decisions should be individualized based on medical history, risk factors, and family preferences.
The Bottom Line
For some adolescents, weight-loss medications can be a valuable addition to lifestyle interventions, helping to improve health, reduce complications, and support overall well-being. When used thoughtfully, under medical supervision, and as part of a comprehensive care plan, these therapies can play an important role in managing pediatric obesity and improving long-term outcomes.
Mostafa A. Salama, M.B., B.Ch. is a 3 rd. year pediatric resident at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Special interests in Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Endocrinology, Genetics and Obesity. He loves spending time with family, enjoys cooking and spending time outdoors with friends at barbeques. He also enjoys jogging around Rochester's beautiful lakes.