Is weight loss medication an option for my teen?

The rate of childhood obesity has more than tripled since the 1960s, and today obesity affects over 20 percent of children. The rate of childhood obesity has more than tripled since the 1960s and today obesity affects over 20 percent of children. A variety of elements play a role in obesity, and sometimes eating healthy and leading an active lifestyle are not enough to counteract it.

Today, weight loss medications and even bariatric surgery are options for some children diagnosed with obesity. The available treatments depend on things like age and body mass index. But how do you know what’s right for your child?

In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold explores weight loss medications for children with Dr. Margaret Stefater Richards, a physician and researcher at Boston Children's Hospital's Division of Endocrinology. Together, they address questions such as:

• How is obesity in children defined?
• Are there some kids at greater risk for obesity?
• What causes obesity in kids?
• What are the potential long-term consequences if childhood obesity is untreated?
• Does obesity impact psychosocial health?
• What treatment options are available for kids with obesity?
• What medications are available for treating teens with obesity, and how do they differ?
• Are these medications covered by insurance?
• What are the potential side effects or risks of these medications?
• Is there a risk of regaining weight if kids stop taking the medication?
• Should patients with difficulty accessing these medicines try dupes?
• How is obesity treated at Boston Children’s, and where do medications fit into treatment?
• How do doctors treat obesity while recognizing the risk of eating disorders?
• What research is happening around childhood obesity?
• What are the doctor’s orders related to children and obesity?

There are many factors to consider when deciding on the right treatment option for your child. We’re happy to offer weight loss medications as another option.