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Wegovy, the weight-loss medication developed by Novo Nordisk, has seen a dramatic 50% increase in prescriptions among American teenagers over the past year, according to newly released data analyzed by health data firm Truveta. This surge comes as families and healthcare providers show growing confidence in the drug’s use for adolescents struggling with obesity.
Key Findings from the Data
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In 2024, the average rate of new Wegovy prescriptions for teens rose to 14.8 per 100,000, up from 9.9 per 100,000 in 2023—the first full year the drug was available to those aged 12 and older.
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The upward trend continued into the first quarter of 2025, with 17.3 new prescriptions per 100,000 adolescents.
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Despite this sharp rise, the number of teens receiving Wegovy remains a small fraction of the estimated 23,000 per 100,000 U.S. teens living with obesity.
Background and Medical Perspectives
Wegovy was approved for adolescent use in late 2022 after traditional methods—such as diet, exercise, and counseling—proved largely ineffective for many young people with obesity. Obesity now affects about 8 million U.S. teenagers, or 23% of those aged 12 to 19, a significant jump from 5% in 1980.
Medical experts note that while the increased use of Wegovy reflects progress in treating severe adolescent obesity, access remains limited. Dr. Cate Varney, director of obesity medicine at the University of Virginia Health system, commented, “It’s promising that more young people are using these medications, but it’s still a very small percentage of patients with severe obesity that are getting access to them. When lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, we need these additional tools”.
Challenges and Concerns
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The uptake of Wegovy among teens is still much slower than among U.S. adults.
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Many families face insurance denials, and some healthcare professionals remain cautious due to the lack of long-term safety data for adolescents and concerns about the need for potentially indefinite treatment.
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The Truveta analysis did not include other GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic or Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, which are not approved for adolescent obesity treatment.
Policy and Practice Shifts
In January, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that physicians consider weight-loss medications for children with obesity starting at age 12. However, the medical community remains divided over the widespread use of GLP-1 drugs in younger patients, citing unknowns about their long-term effects during critical developmental periods.
“It’s encouraging to see more young individuals utilizing these medications, but the percentage of patients with severe obesity who have access to them remains quite small,” said Dr. Varney.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available data and expert commentary as reported by Reuters and other news sources. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance regarding obesity treatment and medication use.
