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Children Under 12 Get Weight-Loss Jabs
14 Nov
Summary
- Hundreds of children in England received GLP-1 prescriptions.
- Ten children under 12 were prescribed these slimming drugs.
- Experts urge specialist supervision and long-term monitoring.
In England, hundreds of children, with a notable number under the age of 12, have been prescribed GLP-1 medications. These drugs, often used for weight loss, were initially developed for type 2 diabetes. Data reveals 419 prescriptions for under-18s in the 2025-26 financial year, with 10 for those under 12.
Experts emphasize the critical need for specialist services, including support for diet, growth, and mental well-being, along with rigorous long-term monitoring. This is vital given that weight can return when the drugs are stopped and due to limited data on their long-term effects in growing adolescents.
Recent global guidelines from the WHO suggest obesity medications like GLP-1s should not be given to children under 10. However, trials are exploring their use in younger age groups, with some clinics considering expanding prescriptions to children aged eight and older.
