Understanding Obesity Medications for Kids and Teens
Share
Obesity in children and teenagers is a growing health problem around the world. With unhealthy diets and less physical activity, many young people are gaining excess weight. This can lead to serious health issues later in life like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. While exercise and healthy eating are the first steps in treatment, sometimes lifestyle changes alone are not enough. In these cases, doctors may consider medications.
Why Consider Medication?
Doctors usually try lifestyle changes first—like better eating habits, regular physical activity, and behavior counseling. But for some children with severe obesity, these efforts don’t lead to enough weight loss. That’s when medications can help. These medicines are used along with lifestyle changes, not as a replacement.
Which Medications Are Used?
A recent review looked at several medicines that are approved for treating obesity in children and teens. These include:
- Phentermine/Topiramate
- Metformin
- Orlistat
- Liraglutide
- Exenatide
- Fluoxetine
- Topiramate
Each of these works in a different way—some reduce appetite, others affect how the body uses sugar and fat.
What Works Best?
According to the review, Phentermine/Topiramate showed the best results in reducing body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist size. Both high and moderate doses were effective.
Liraglutide was best for lowering fasting blood sugar levels. This is important because high blood sugar is a sign of prediabetes or diabetes.
Metformin, a medicine often used for type 2 diabetes, also helped with weight loss and blood sugar control, especially in younger children.
Orlistat helped lower diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number in a blood pressure reading), though its effect was smaller compared to weight loss.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Yes, some of these medicines can cause side effects. The most common ones are related to the stomach and digestion. For example:
- Metformin may cause nausea or diarrhea.
- Orlistat can lead to oily stools and stomach cramps.
- Liraglutide and Exenatide may cause nausea and vomiting.
These side effects can be uncomfortable but are usually not dangerous. Still, they should be discussed with a doctor before starting any medication.
Are These Drugs Safe?
The review looked at the safety of these medications in many clinical trials. Overall, most of the approved drugs were considered safe when used as directed. However, not all medicines are suitable for every child. Doctors must consider age, health history, and possible side effects before prescribing any drug.
Lifestyle Changes Still Matter
Even though some medicines showed strong effects, they work best when combined with healthy habits. Eating nutritious food, being physically active, and getting enough sleep are still the foundation of obesity treatment. Medication can help support these efforts but cannot replace them.
What Should Parents Know?
If your child is struggling with obesity, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Start with lifestyle changes: Focus on healthy meals and regular exercise.
- Consider medications only if needed: Use them when lifestyle changes aren’t enough.
- Watch for side effects: Report anything unusual to your doctor.
- Stay patient: Weight loss takes time and support.
Final Thoughts
Medications can be a useful tool in managing obesity in children and teens—especially when paired with healthy habits. The key is to find a balanced approach that works for your child. With the right care and support, it’s possible to reduce health risks and improve quality of life.