Weight Loss Medication for Teens: What Parents Need to Know

Many Teens Are Obese — and It’s a Serious Health Issue

Childhood obesity is no longer rare. In the United States, nearly one in five children is living with obesity, and rates are even higher among teens. This isn’t only about weight. Carrying excess weight in adolescence is linked to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, and joint problems. It also has a profound impact on mental health. Teens with obesity are more likely to struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, and they may face bullying or isolation at school.

The effects can last a lifetime. Children who are obese are much more likely to become obese adults, with higher risks of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. That’s why early treatment matters—it’s not just about appearance, but about protecting health and confidence for decades to come.

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Why Standard Care Often Falls Short

Although new medications like semaglutide (Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda) have been approved for teens, many doctors are still reluctant to prescribe them. Some worry about side effects, while others may not feel comfortable managing a treatment plan for a child. When prescriptions are given, they are often handed out without the right structure or follow-up.

This is risky. If a child simply receives medication without coaching and nutritional support, they can end up eating too little, missing key nutrients, and feeling unwell. Worse, when the medication is stopped, weight often returns quickly—sometimes even higher than before. This “yo-yo” pattern can be discouraging and harmful, both physically and emotionally.

Parents deserve more than a prescription pad. They need a safe, supportive plan that makes sure weight loss is healthy, sustainable, and positive for the whole family.

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The Hey Nouri difference

At Hey Nouri, we believe weight loss medication can be part of the solution—but only when it’s done carefully and alongside other supports. We never prescribe GLP-1 medications in isolation. Instead, every family works with a pediatric registered dietitian to create meal plans that keep nutrition balanced, even if appetite is smaller. Our coaches provide strategies to manage side effects like nausea and help families make every bite count.

The results, when done right, can be remarkable. In a major clinical trial, teens who took semaglutide with lifestyle support lost, on average, about 15% of their body weight in just over a year. For many families, this meant their teenager was finally able to run, play, and move with ease again. Beyond weight loss, research also shows these medications can improve cholesterol, blood pressure, and even reverse signs of prediabetes—giving kids a healthier future and preventing serious disease before it takes hold.

Families describe it as life-changing: children who once avoided sports or social activities gain new confidence, energy, and joy in everyday life. But the key is that medication is never the whole story. By pairing treatment with nutrition coaching, habit-building, and emotional support, Nouri helps ensure that the benefits last and that kids grow healthier in every sense.

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Why Parents Should Speak With an Expert

Deciding whether weight loss medication is right for your child is a big step. It should never be made alone. Parents should always consult with an expert in pediatric endocrinology—a doctor who understands children’s growth, hormones, and metabolism.

At Nouri, our pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Gabriel Castaño works directly with families to evaluate whether medication is appropriate. He ensures that every treatment plan is tailored to the child’s medical history, growth stage, and emotional needs. With his guidance, parents can feel confident that decisions are grounded in both science and compassion.

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In summary

Obesity in children and teens is a growing crisis, and it deserves real solutions. Weight loss medication for teens and children can help, but only when combined with expert care, healthy habits, and emotional support. At Nouri, we make sure that families have the tools, the guidance, and the medical oversight they need to keep their children safe while achieving lasting change.

If you’re considering this path for your child, the first step is to speak with a trusted pediatric endocrinologist like Dr. Castaño. With the right team around you, medication can be one part of a brighter, healthier future for your child.

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References

1. Weghuber D, Barrett T, Barrientos-Perez M, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adolescents with obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 2022.
2. Chung M, et al. Effectiveness of metformin for obesity in children and adolescents: systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 2024.
3. Cooper DS, et al. Concerns about GLP-1 weight-loss drugs in children. UCI Health News, 2023.

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