By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
Rising Adoption Highlights Urgent Need for Effective Adolescent Obesity Treatments
June 4, 2025 β United States β The utilization of Wegovy, a prescription weight-loss medication, has experienced a significant 50% increase among U.S. teenagers over the past year, reflecting a growing demand for effective interventions as adolescent obesity rates continue to climb.
Dramatic Uptick in Prescriptions
According to data from health analytics firm Truveta, the average rate of adolescents initiating treatment with Wegovy rose from 9.9 to 14.8 prescriptions per 100,000 teens in 2024. This upward trend persisted into early 2025, with rates reaching 17.3 per 100,000 in the first quarter. Despite this surge, the usage still represents a small fraction of the estimated 23,000 per 100,000 U.S. teens living with obesity.
Wegovy, developed by Novo Nordisk, received FDA approval for adolescents aged 12 and older in late 2022. The medication is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, designed to mimic a hormone that regulates appetite and food intake, thereby aiding in weight loss.
Clinical Outcomes and Patient Experiences
Clinical studies have demonstrated that Wegovy can lead to substantial weight loss in adolescents. Some clinics report patients losing up to 30 pounds over a year of treatment. Dr. Cate Varney, director of obesity medicine at the University of Virginia Health System, noted, “Itβs promising that more young people are using these medications, but itβs still a very small percentage of patients with severe obesity that are getting access to them. When lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, we need these additional tools.
Barriers to Access and Ongoing Concerns
Despite the positive outcomes, several barriers hinder broader adoption of Wegovy among teens. Concerns over long-term safety, especially during critical developmental periods, remain prevalent. Additionally, the high cost of the medication and limited insurance coverage pose significant challenges for many families. Some medical professionals also express hesitation due to the relatively recent approval of the drug for adolescent use.
Critics, including U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have voiced apprehensions about the potential overmedication of youth and the unknown developmental impacts of such treatments. Kennedy highlighted these concerns in a recent report, emphasizing the need for caution in prescribing GLP-1 drugs to children .
Professional Recommendations and Ethical Considerations
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its guidelines to recommend the use of weight-loss medications like Wegovy for adolescents with obesity, in conjunction with lifestyle modifications. This marks a shift from previous approaches that favored “watchful waiting.” However, the medical community remains divided, with some experts advocating for more comprehensive studies to understand the long-term effects of such treatments on young individuals .
Ethical considerations also come into play, as the increasing reliance on pharmacological solutions raises questions about the potential for fostering unhealthy relationships with food and body image among teens. Nutritionists warn that without proper guidance and support, the use of weight-loss drugs could lead to unintended consequences, including the development of disordered eating behaviors .
Future Outlook and Need for Comprehensive Strategies
As the prevalence of adolescent obesity continues to rise, the medical community acknowledges the necessity for multifaceted approaches that combine medical interventions with education, behavioral therapy, and community support. While Wegovy offers a promising tool in the fight against obesity, experts emphasize that it should be part of a broader, holistic strategy to ensure the health and well-being of young individuals.