New York, United States – Kait Handler, a 40-year-old mother, has been battling with food-related issues since her childhood. The struggles she faced with food have left a lasting impact on her life, prompting her to take action when she noticed her daughter Birdie experiencing similar challenges at a young age. At just eight years old, Birdie began to show signs of weight-related concerns, leading Kait to closely monitor her daughter’s eating habits. Despite trying various methods such as therapy and increased physical activity, Birdie’s weight continued to increase, eventually reaching a clinically obese level by the time she was 12 years old, ranking her in the 98th percentile among children her age.
Faced with the severity of the situation, Kait sought out weight loss medication as a solution, turning to a compounded version of tirzepatide that helped her shed 75lbs. Seeing the positive results in herself, Kait decided to explore the possibility of using similar medications for Birdie, who weighed 161.5lbs at her heaviest. Following a consultation with a telehealth obesity clinic, Birdie was prescribed with a compound version of semaglutide, an active ingredient in weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic. Despite concerns about introducing a young child to weight loss medication, Kait defended her decision, emphasizing the importance of addressing her daughter’s self-worth and overall well-being.
The trend of using weight loss drugs in children and young adults has been on the rise, with monthly prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs increasing significantly in recent years. This surge in prescriptions was further fueled by the FDA’s approval of Wegovy for weight loss in children over the age of 12. Birdie’s treatment with compounded semaglutide, a more cost-effective option than brand-name medications, has shown promising results, with the teenager losing a total of 10lbs. While the use of weight loss drugs has helped alleviate family stress and improved Birdie’s self-image, concerns remain about the long-term safety and effectiveness of such medications in young populations.
Dr. Joyce Lee, a pediatrician and diabetes expert, highlighted the importance of carefully considering the implications of using weight loss drugs in children and adolescents. The affordability and accessibility of these medications also pose challenges, with many families struggling to afford brand-name drugs that can cost over $1,000 a month. As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise among children and adults in the US, the American Academy of Pediatrics has emphasized the need for early evaluation and aggressive treatment, including medication and surgical interventions if necessary. Despite the potential benefits of weight loss drugs, ongoing research and monitoring are essential to ensure the well-being of young patients.