Are GLP-1 medications okay for children's use?

Summary

Here's the Scoop: Are GLP-1 Medications Okay for Children's Use?

Release Date: July 21, 2025

---

Introduction to Pediatric Obesity and GLP-1 Medications

In this episode of "Here's the Scoop," host Yasmin Vossoughian delves into the pressing issue of pediatric obesity and the emerging use of GLP-1 medications as a treatment option. Highlighting findings from a study published in Nature Medicine, Yasmin discusses how certain genetic variants can increase the risk of obesity in children. This genetic insight has led some parents and their children to consider genetic testing and, subsequently, the use of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Saxenda.

---

Expert Insights with Dr. Casey Berman

Yasmin is joined by Dr. Casey Berman, a pediatric endocrinologist at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, who specializes in diabetes care for children and teens. Dr. Berman provides valuable perspectives on the use of GLP-1 medications in pediatric populations.

• Rising Prescriptions Amid Obesity Epidemic
  Dr. Berman explains the surge in GLP-1 prescriptions:
  “I definitely am. So I think this has been in response to the rising, you can call it, obesity epidemic, where the rates of obesity have really been increasing.” ([02:07])

• Criteria for Prescribing GLP-1 Medications
  She outlines the criteria for prescribing these medications:
  “We reserve these medicines for those in Class 2 or Class 3 obesity, especially if they have comorbidities like prediabetes or high cholesterol.” ([02:47])

• Long-Term Use and Safety Concerns
  Addressing concerns about prolonged medication use, Dr. Berman states:
  “Obesity is now thought of as a chronic condition. It's something a lot of people will live with long term.” ([03:56])
  She further reassures that studies have shown no negative impact on growth and puberty over at least one year of use.

• Importance of Lifestyle Interventions
  Emphasizing a holistic approach, she says:
  “It's important to stress that when starting one of these medications, it really needs to be a combination of interventions. Most importantly, first and foremost is the healthy lifestyle changes.” ([04:48])

---

Patient Story: Morgan and Florence

To shed light on the real-life impact of GLP-1 medications, Yasmin introduces Morgan, a 13-year-old patient, and her mother Florence.

• Morgan's Transformation
  Morgan shares her experience:
  “I lost about 56 pounds... I feel way more active and comfortable now.” ([10:30])
  She mentions initial side effects like fatigue and nausea but highlights significant improvements in her daily life.

• Florence’s Perspective
  Florence discusses their decision-making process:
  “We tried dieting and it didn't work, so we sought medical help.” ([12:28])
  She emphasizes the importance of seeking professional assistance when lifestyle changes alone are insufficient.

• Sustaining Weight Loss
  Morgan expresses confidence in maintaining her weight loss:
  “I think I definitely have more control on, like, what I eat now and stuff. So I think I'd be okay if I stopped taking it.” ([12:37])

---

Key Takeaways

• Effectiveness of GLP-1 Medications:
  GLP-1s can be a valuable tool for children with severe obesity, especially when combined with lifestyle interventions.

• Safety Profile:
  Current studies indicate that GLP-1 medications do not adversely affect growth or puberty in children over at least one year of use.

• Need for Further Research:
  While promising, more research is necessary to understand the long-term effects of GLP-1 use in both children and adults.

---

Headline Highlights

Gaza Conflict Escalates:
Dozens of Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces over the weekend amid new evacuation orders affecting tens of thousands in central Gaza. The humanitarian crisis worsens as the World Food Program reports that nearly one in three people are going without food for days.

Harvard vs. Trump Administration:
A federal judge in Boston hears arguments in Harvard University's lawsuit against the Trump administration over the cutting of billions in federal research funding. Harvard claims it has taken significant steps to address antisemitism on campus.

Tribute to Malcolm Jamal Warner:
Hollywood mourns the loss of Malcolm Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Warner's career spanned multiple impactful roles and he was an advocate for mental health in the Black community. He passed away at 54 during a family vacation in Costa Rica.

WNBA Players Demand Fair Pay:
Fans at the WNBA All-Star Game voiced their support for players demanding better pay and benefits. The current labor deal expires in October, and players are pushing for a fair share of the league's increasing revenue.

'Clueless' Celebrates 30th Anniversary:
The iconic '90s rom-com Clueless returns to theaters with special re-screenings, celebrating its enduring legacy in fashion, slang, and teen culture. Cher Horowitz's high school scenes were filmed at Occidental College, also attended by President Barack Obama before he transferred to Columbia University.

---

Conclusion

In this episode, "Here's the Scoop" provides an in-depth look at the use of GLP-1 medications in treating pediatric obesity, featuring expert opinions and personal stories that highlight both the potential benefits and the considerations involved. Additionally, the episode covers a range of current headlines, ensuring listeners are well-informed on significant global and cultural events.

---

Thank you for tuning into "Here's the Scoop" from NBC News. Stay informed and join us again tomorrow for more insights on the stories that matter.

Transcript

[Dahlia Lithwick]

At this very moment, we are living through a series of cascading constitutional crises, rocketing up to the Supreme Court and shaking the foundations of American democracy. This is not a game of chicken.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Where we back down from the Constitution.

[Dahlia Lithwick]

Like, that's not how this works. I'm Dahlia Lithwick, host of Amicus, Slate's podcast about the courts, the law, and the Supreme Court. I've been writing about SCOTUS and the law for more than 20 years. And each week on Amicus, we draw on that deep experience to navigate these incredibly unstable, uncertain times. Search Amicus That's AM I C U S to listen?

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Welcome to here's the scoop from NBC News. I'm Yasmin Vesugin. What if you knew you were predisposed to obesity and weight struggles? Well, a study in the journal Nature Medicine found certain variants could raise the risk of obesity, and a genetic test could predict which kids may actually struggle. So what do you do with that information? Some kids and parents are turning to GLP1s. The American Academy of Pediatrics is now recommending GLP1s like WeGovy and Saxenda for teens after the FDA approved their use in children 12 and up back in 2022. And while they say lifestyle changes like diet and exercise should come first, the prescriptions have surged up 65% after the guidelines dropped and climbing about 5% each month. That is according to health data from Truvetta. But I think people, especially parents, have questions. So for that, I want to talk to Dr. Casey Berman, a pediatric endocrinologist at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone. She specializes in diabetes care for children and teens. She also leads clinical trials aimed at advancing treatment for pediatric type 1 diabetes. Dr. Berman, thank you for joining us.

[Dr. Casey Berman]

Hi. Thank you so much for having me. I'm excited to be here.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

The FDA approved some of these GLP1 weight loss drugs for kids. Are you seeing an influx of children and parents coming to your practice and seeking out GLP1s?

[Dr. Casey Berman]

I definitely am. So I think this has been in response to the rising, you can call it, obesity epidemic, where the rates of obesity have really been increasing. So I think this has prompted the American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatrics to publish guidelines recommending pharmacotherapy to be considered for some of these kids. And in 2022, that's when semaglutide, the medicine itself, was approved to use in 12 and older.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

So doctors are able to prescribe these types of medications for children as young as eight. What are the determining factors when you make the decision to prescribe this type.

[Dr. Casey Berman]

Of medication, I really think the biggest thing is stratifying the severity of the obesity. So we define in pediatrics obesity as a BMI above the 95th percentile. And now even above the 95th percentile, we stratify it to class one obesity, class two obesity, and then the most severe would be class three obesity. So physicians tend to reserve these medicines for Those in Class 2 or Class 3, the more severe cases, and especially in those who might already have evolving comorbidities. So for example, pre diabetes or high cholesterol fatty liver. When these things are present, that is what prompts I think most providers to.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Really consider if you're 10, 11, 12 years old and you're suddenly on some of these weight loss drugs, is there a possibility that you could literally be on them for life? And is there enough science to support that it is healthy for these kids to be on these types of medications for a prolonged period of time? I mean, 50, 60 years, possibly.

[Dr. Casey Berman]

I think that's the big question right now. Obesity is now thought of as a chronic condition. It's something a lot of people will live with long term. And so because of that, we wonder, are these medications now chronic medications as well? Because there's the fear that if we stop them, then the waking will return. This is a really important period of time for their growth, for their puberty. And there have been multiple studies looking for at least a year in kids going through their growth spurt puberty years that have shown that these medications did not negatively impact any of that. So that's very reassuring.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

I'm sure you have a lot of parents that come to you and say, listen, if I put my kid on one of these GLP1 medications, they're not going to learn how to live healthfully. And what I mean by that is developing good habits when it comes to eating and exercise. How do you respond to that?

[Dr. Casey Berman]

It's very important to stress that when starting one of these medications, it really needs to be a combination of interventions. Most importantly, first and foremost is the healthy lifestyle changes. And we try to do those types of interventions before starting a medicine. The first step is meeting with the nutritionist, working on healthy dietary modifications, working on consistent exercise. And so when these medications are then started, it's almost as an adjunct and really continuing to focus on the nutritional changes that exercise changes and making sure that these kids are plugged in with a nutritionist who they can follow with relatively regularly. And you know, I have that conversation with my Patients and their parents and saying that we can't just rely on the medicine. The most important thing is the lifestyle changes, and that's what's gonna potentially allow us to come off these medicines later on, is if a kid can learn how to live a healthy life. So I think of this medicine as a tool to help them really learn these skills. And I reserve the medicine for those who have tried healthy changes, who are either in that Class 2 or Class 3 obesity range, and especially who have developing comorbidities. And I have seen outstanding results. I think most striking is those who do have developing complications arising, such as teenage girls with pcos, adolescents with prediabetes. And we start these medicines and those secondary conditions improve so well. And that's really what motivates me to continue considering these types of medicines. And one important thing to note is that not everyone responds to the GLP1 medications in the same way. It really does need to be individualized and personalized when we're deciding to use these medicines.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

I know for adults they've seen a reduced risk of serious conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's, heart disease cancers after taking these GLP1s for extended periods of time. And you mentioned, of course, that we don't have a lot of science when it comes to prolonged periods of taking these GLP1s. But is there any science to suggest that as a child, if you start these GLP1s, you too can benefit from that?

[Dr. Casey Berman]

Definitely. And I think that we've actually seen that when kids develop some of these comorbidities, like prediabetes risk for cardiovascular disease, it can actually be more exacerbated in a child and more aggressive. And so my thought is that if we're seeing these long term cardiovascular benefits in adults, then we would certainly see them in these kids who are at just as much or higher risk of these complications.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

When you talk about the benefits of GLP1s, not only for children, as you're seeing, but for adults as well, you got a lot of folks scratching their heads and saying, hey, should I be on this thing? Even if I don't necessarily have 30, 40, 50 pounds to lose, if it's gonna reduce my risk of developing some of these diseases, should many of us be on it?

[Dr. Casey Berman]

I think there's a lot more research that needs to be done in this realm. There's been studies looking at the GLP1's effect on addiction, on alcoholism. And so GLP1 does play a role in a part of your brain called the hypothalamus. Is where the centers are that regulate your hunger, your satiety and your metabolism. So GLP1 is naturally produced in your body and this medication is increasing and improving the way that the GLP1 is being secreted. Which in my opinion is why I don't think there are that many long term negative effects because we are just exacerbating a hormone that we already make and that is good for us.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Wow, that's fascinating, Dr. Berman. Thank you, thank you.

[Dr. Casey Berman]

Thanks for having me.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Up next, we're going to hear from Dr. Berman's patient, a 13 year old girl and her mother.

[Al Roker]

Sometimes an identity threat is a ring of professional hackers and sometimes it's an overworked accountant who forgot to encrypt their connection while sending bank details.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

I need a coffee.

[Al Roker]

And you need Lifelock because your info is in endless places. It only takes one mistake to expose you to identity theft. LifeLock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second. If your identity is stolen, will fix it, guaranteed or your money back. Save up to 40% your first [e-mail] specialoffer terms apply.

[Jessica St. Clair]

Hey everybody, I'm Al Roker from the Today show, here to tell you about our Jumpstart July event. The Start Today app has everything you need to get and stay motivated on your wellness journey all in one place. Like walking challenges for all levels to get you moving. Healthy recipes that are easy and delicious and so much more. And now when you subscribe for an annual plan, you'll get your first month completely free with promo code Jumpstart. Just download the Start Today app now to get started.

[Al Roker]

Offer in 73125 must enter code at checkout. Must be 18 or up. After first month, you will be automatically charged 65.99 a year plus tax for an annual subscription until you cancel. Cancel anytime through your device settings under Apple account. See website for full terms.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Welcome back to Here's a scoop from NBC News. Dr. Casey Berman connected us with one of her patients, Morgan, and I'm joined by her now. Along with her mother, Florence, Morgan has had some success with Wegovy. She's 13 years old. How have you been feeling now that you've been on WeGovy Morgan?

[Morgan]

I personally feel way more active now and more comfortable and stuff now. Like I've lost like about 56 pounds.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Wow, you lost 56 pounds?

[Morgan]

Yeah.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

How has it felt inside of your body when you started taking the medication? How is it feeling?

[Morgan]

Well, the first time I took my first dose, I was super tired and lousy For a few hours. And there were, like, a few signs of nausea after I take the shot sometimes. But aside from that, things have been pretty well.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Do you find yourself eating a lot less? Yeah, you are. And are you eating different types of foods, too, or are you still eating the same types of foods?

[Morgan]

I eat different types of foods now.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

What did you eat before?

[Morgan]

Well, before I didn't. I ate more, like, frozen foods and stuff and, like, not so healthy things.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Why do you find that you're eating kind of more healthy foods now than you were before? Is it something that your body's craving?

[Morgan]

Yeah, I don't really crave those, like, unhealthy foods anymore.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Do you get hungry, Morgan?

[Morgan]

I do get hungry, but way less.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

How has your activity changed now that you've lost £56?

[Morgan]

Well, it is much easier to take the stairs, to run, to walk outside and stuff like that.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

How do you feel about yourself in general?

[Morgan]

Probably way more confident and stuff.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Florence, were you worried about your daughter getting on Wegovy when speaking with Dr. Bervin about it?

[Florence]

No. So I did my research. I came to the conclusion that she needed help losing the weight because she started puberty and started gaining weight. I seen that A1C was going up a little, so I said, let's go see Dr. Berman. I explained to her the situation with Morgan. She had a whole bunch of labs done, so everything was normal. And we said, let's just start.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Was there ever a point that you felt as if you should try the route of just dieting and exercise and healthy eating, or did you feel like it wasn't gonna work?

[Florence]

We tried that. That didn't work. So she definitely needed help.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Morgan, are you worried about gaining the weight back if you were to come off of the medication?

[Morgan]

No, because I think I definitely have more control on, like, what I eat now and stuff. So I think I'd be okay if I stopped taking it.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Do you feel like your friends have noticed the change in you?

[Morgan]

Yeah.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

What do you tell them?

[Morgan]

Well, they don't really ask much about how, so I don't really tell them much about it, but if they asked, I wouldn't really have a problem telling them.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

You're honest about it. You're not embarrassed that you're on this medication. What gives you that confidence?

[Morgan]

Because, I mean, it's a medication. It's not like it's a harmful or dangerous drug. So I don't think there's, like, a reason to be, like, ashamed about it and stuff.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

And you have confidence in knowing that you needed help and that was okay.

[Morgan]

Yeah, I mean I needing help is okay, so I didn't really have a problem with it.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Florence, what would you say to other parents that are contemplating whether or not their kids should be on one of these GLP1 medications?

[Florence]

First, I would say try dieting and if you don't see a change within two months and the weight is going up, the eating is ridiculously out of control, they should seek help because that's what we did.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Thank you so much for talking to me and being honest with me about it. Morgan, you're a very special young woman, so we appreciate you sharing some time with us. And Florence, thank you to you as well.

[Florence]

You're welcome.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Now let's get to some headlines. Gaza's health ministry says dozens of Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces over the weekend while they were waiting for aid. Israel's Foreign Ministry says the IDF issued warning shots to address a, quote, immediate threat. The latest violence comes as Israel has issued new evacuation orders impacting tens of thousands of people in central Gaza. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening. The World Food Program says nearly one in three people are going without food for days at a time. A federal judge in Boston is hearing arguments in the case of Harvard University versus The Trump administration. Harvard sued the federal government back in April over the administration's decision to to cut billions of dollars in federal research funding. The administration said it was freezing the funding because Harvard had refused to make changes to address antisemitism on campus. In arguments today, Harvard said it had taken a litany of actions to address those concerns. Hollywood is reeling from the sudden death of Malcolm Jamal Warner, best known as Theo Huxtable on the Cosby Show. The actor died during a family vacation in Costa Rica. Warner's career stretched far beyond his sitcom roots, with standout roles in Malcolm and major crimes and 911. He was also a powerful voice for mental health in the black community, recently launching a podcast called Not All Hood. Warner is survived by his wife and daughter. He was 54 years old.

[Florence]

Pay them.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

That is what fans chanted loud and clear at the WNBA All Star Game over the weekend, directly calling out Commissioner Kathy Engelbert during the post game ceremony. It came after the league's biggest stars took to the court in warm up shirts that read pay us what you owe us the message. They're done waiting. With the WNBA's current labor deal set to expire in October, players are pushing for better pay, stronger benefits and a fair share of the league's booming revenue. Engelbert called last Thursday's in person meeting with the union and more than 40 players quote, productive and said she's confident a new contract will be, quote, transformational for everyone involved. But with fans now backing the players just as loudly, the pressure is on for the league to deliver. Clueless is turning 30 and it is still like totally iconic. Fans are buggin as the cult fave rom com returns to theaters this summer with special re screenings in June and July, bringing Cher Horowitz's world back to the big screen from her rotating closet, which was the best to endlessly Quotable lines.

[Morgan]

May I please remind you that it.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Does not say RSVP on the Statue of Liberty. The film's hold on fashion, slang and teen culture has not budged. Even Mattel dropped new Sharon Dion Barbies because this legacy way existential and a little piece of trivia, everybody. Cher's high school scenes were filmed at my alma mater, Occidental College, which just so happens to be where President Barack Obama went as well before he transferred to Columbia University. Well, that's gonna do it for us at Heroes of Scoop. From NBC News, I'm Yasmin Desugin. We'll see you back here tomorrow.

[Morgan]

I hope not.

[Yasmin Vesugin]

Sporadic.

[Dahlia Lithwick]

Hi, I'm Jessica St. Clair. And I'm June Diane Rayfiel. And we are two friends trying to survive the chaos and celebrate the joy that life throws our way. And we do it every week on our podcast, the Deep Dive. Sometimes we dig into the deep sea stuff like how I communicate with my dead best friend. And sometimes we give bad advice based off a tik tok I saw. And we're not going to apologize for that. Absolutely not. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll hire a psychic medium. Join us, won't you listen to the Deep Dive wherever you get your podcasts from Lemonada Media.