Wegovy, a medication brand name for semeglutide, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating teenagers aged 12 and above living with obesity. It is a drug that, in recent years, has been gaining attention due to its success in aiding weight loss in adults. The medication decreases appetite, helping individuals to feel full faster and avoid feeling hungry between meals. Helping children lose weight is a vital step in managing their overall wellbeing and protecting them from long-term health consequences such as heart problems, sleep apnea, obesity-related complications, and reduced quality of life, among other things.
In a 68-week trial, nearly half of the teenagers treated with 2.4 mg semaglutide lost enough weight to fall below the obesity threshold, while a quarter returned to a healthy weight. The drug is effective for weight loss at this age group for the same reason it helps adults. In addition to the medication, patients should also receive dietary and physical activity guidance to aid in their overall weight loss efforts. Other aspects that health experts believe to be critical to patients’ recovery include engaging them in discussions about their interests, motivations and goals.
Despite its apparent effectiveness, parents should not solely rely on Wegovy as a remedy for childhood obesity, according to Dr. Daniel Ganjian, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica. Ganjian cautions that medication alone may not solve the problem, and teens should also undergo lifestyle changes such as eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing their intake of processed, high sugar, and high-fat foods.
While Wegovy appears to be safe for use in most teenagers, rare side effects may include kidney, pancreas, gallbladder, or thyroid problems. Consequently, parents and medical personnel need to keep close track of teenagers’ progress when undergoing treatment with the medication. Other considerations like working with a trained medical professional, taking into account the issue of stigma surrounding obesity, and addressing the mental health component of the issue cannot be overemphasized.
The approval of Wegovy is monumental in treating childhood obesity and reducing health risks in teenagers. Helping adolescents achieve their weight loss goals through lifestyle adjustments, coupled with FDA-approved medication, can go a long way in enhancing their overall quality of life and reducing negative health implications. As such, health professionals must continue their research efforts in the area of childhood obesity to unearth more efficient ways of tackling the issue and providing the best possible care for teens living with obesity.
