Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Are GLP-1 Drugs Safe for Children? Study Finds Nutritional Deficiency in Nearly 17% Within a Year

GLP-1 medications have shown significant promise in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes in adults. Their use has also expanded among children with obesity. However, a new study found that nearly 1 in 6 children, or 17%, treated with GLP-1 medications developed a diagnosed nutritional deficiency within one year. 

The research, conducted by scientists at Northwestern University and Ann &amp; Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, found that vitamin D deficiency was the most common nutritional deficiency, identified in 12.4% of children within one year of starting GLP-1 treatment.

“As appropriate pediatric use of GLP-1s becomes more widespread, we need to understand the risks during periods of rapid growth and pubertal development,” said senior author Justin Ryder, associate professor of surgery and pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

“Nutrients such as vitamin D, iron and calcium are of particular concern during adolescence, when deficiencies may have lasting implications for skeletal health and overall development,” the expert added. The study was published in the journal Childhood Obesity. 

<h2>Only a Small Share Received Nutritional Counselling </h2>

According to Ryder, nutritional support is key once treatment with a GLP-1 medication is initiated. 

However, the study found that only 5% of patients received nutritional counseling within 30 days of starting GLP-1 treatment, while less than 25% received nutritional counseling within six months. 

The scientists used national administrative claims data from 2017 to 2022 covering more than 100 million patients. They identified 2,031 GLP-1 users aged 10–17 who met continuous enrollment criteria and had no prior diagnosis of nutritional deficiency. 

Among these children, the most commonly prescribed GLP-1 medications were <span>liraglutide</span> (78.6%), dulaglutide (10.4%) and <span>semaglutide</span> (9.1%).

The researchers said proactive nutritional management is important when GLP-1 medications are prescribed to children, rather than waiting until a nutritional deficiency is diagnosed.

<h2>GLP-1 Prescriptions Rising For Children Under 12 </h2>

The new study comes as the use of GLP-1 medications among younger children has been rising in the US, although their use for obesity in this age group remains limited and varies by medication. The FDA has approved GLP-1 treatment for obesity in adolescents, among those age 12.

A recent study from NYU Langone Health, based on health records from more than 3.5 million children aged 8 to 11 with obesity in the US, found that prescriptions for GLP-1 medications increased more than 300-fold between 2019 and June 2026. 

In 2019, about 0.03% of children in the study group had been prescribed a GLP-1 drug. By June 2026, that figure had risen to 9.3%. 

The medications included drugs such as Wegovy and Saxenda, made by Novo Nordisk, and Eli Lilly's Zepbound.

Among children receiving GLP-1 medications, 94% had severe obesity, while about 65% had obesity-related health conditions, including high blood pressure or sleep apnea. 

<h2>GLP-1 Drugs and FDA Approval for Younger Children </h2>

The FDA has approved certain GLP-1 medications for obesity in some pediatric age groups, but the approvals and age limits vary by drug. The GLP-1 medications included in the under-12 study are not generally FDA-approved for weight management in children younger than 12.

However, doctors can prescribe medicines off-label when they believe there is a medical reason to do so. Clinical guidelines may also support the use of obesity medications in certain circumstances involving younger children.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

are-glp-1-drugs-safe-for-children-study-finds-nutritional-deficiency-in-nearly-17-within-a-year

GLP 1 Drugs In Children

glp 1 drugs Nutritional Deficiency

semaglutide

GLP 1 Prescriptions For Children Under 12

liraglutide

cdsco-warns-against-indiscriminate-painkiller-antibiotic-use-how-it-can-affect-kidneys

CDSCO Warns Against Indiscriminate Painkiller, Antibiotic Use: How It Can Affect Kidneys

6-us-hospitals-will-end-gender-affirming-care-for-minors-what-the-new-doj-deals-entail

6 US Hospitals Will End Gender-Affirming Care For Minors; What The New DOJ Deals Entail

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

GLP-1 medications have shown significant promise in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes in adults. Their use has also expanded among children with obesity. However, a new study found that nearly 1 in 6 children, or 17%, treated with GLP-1 medications developed a diagnosed nutritional deficiency within one year. The research, conducted by scientists at Northwestern University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, found that vitamin D deficiency was the most common nutritional deficiency, identified in 12.4% of children within one year of starting GLP-1 treatment. “As appropriate pediatric use of GLP-1s becomes more widespread, we need to understand the risks during periods of rapid growth and pubertal development,” said senior author Justin Ryder, associate professor of surgery and pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Nutrients such as vitamin D, iron and calcium are of particular concern during adolescence, when deficiencies may have lasting implications for skeletal health and overall development,” the expert added. The study was published in the journal Childhood Obesity. Only a Small Share Received Nutritional Counselling According to Ryder, nutritional support is key once treatment with a GLP-1 medication is initiated. However, the study found that only 5% of patients received nutritional counseling within 30 days of starting GLP-1 treatment, while less than 25% received nutritional counseling within six months. Key Findings The scientists used national administrative claims data from 2017 to 2022 covering more than 100 million patients. They identified 2,031 GLP-1 users aged 10–17 who met continuous enrollment criteria and had no prior diagnosis of nutritional deficiency. Among these children, the most commonly prescribed GLP-1 medications were liraglutide (78.6%), dulaglutide (10.4%) and semaglutide (9.1%).The researchers said proactive nutritional management is important when GLP-1 medications are prescribed to children, rather than waiting until a nutritional deficiency is diagnosed.GLP-1 Prescriptions Rising For Children Under 12 The new study comes as the use of GLP-1 medications among younger children has been rising in the US, although their use for obesity in this age group remains limited and varies by medication. The FDA has approved GLP-1 treatment for obesity in adolescents, among those age 12.A recent study from NYU Langone Health, based on health records from more than 3.5 million children aged 8 to 11 with obesity in the US, found that prescriptions for GLP-1 medications increased more than 300-fold between 2019 and June 2026. In 2019, about 0.03% of children in the study group had been prescribed a GLP-1 drug. By June 2026, that figure had risen to 9.3%. The medications included drugs such as Wegovy and Saxenda, made by Novo Nordisk, and Eli Lilly's Zepbound. Among children receiving GLP-1 medications, 94% had severe obesity, while about 65% had obesity-related health conditions, including high blood pressure or sleep apnea. GLP-1 Drugs and FDA Approval for Younger Children The FDA has approved certain GLP-1 medications for obesity in some pediatric age groups, but the approvals and age limits vary by drug. The GLP-1 medications included in the under-12 study are not generally FDA-approved for weight management in children younger than 12. However, doctors can prescribe medicines off-label when they believe there is a medical reason to do so. Clinical guidelines may also support the use of obesity medications in certain circumstances involving younger children.

are glp-1 drugs safe for children? study finds nutritional deficiency in nearly 17% within a year

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Are GLP-1 Drugs Safe for Children? Study Finds Nutritional Deficiency in Nearly 17% Within a Year

CDSCO Warns Against Indiscriminate Painkiller, Antibiotic Use: How It Can Affect Kidneys

6 US Hospitals Will End Gender-Affirming Care For Minors; What The New DOJ Deals Entail

Why Is Trump Administration Testing Drinking Water For Abortion Pills? EPA’s Controversial Move Explained

Health Conditions A-Z

Are GLP-1 Drugs Safe for Children? Study Finds Nutritional Deficiency in Nearly 17% Within a Year

CDSCO Warns Against Indiscriminate Painkiller, Antibiotic Use: How It Can Affect Kidneys

6 US Hospitals Will End Gender-Affirming Care For Minors; What The New DOJ Deals Entail