KIDSGLP-1 medicines can treat obesity in some children.
Is this true? Make your call, then see what the science says.
Short answer: Yes. The evidence supports this.
Trials in adolescents and in children aged 6 to under 12 found GLP-1 medicines led to greater BMI reductions than placebo. They are an option for some children with obesity, alongside lifestyle support, not a first-line fix for every child.
AI-generated summary of the research cited · not reviewed by a medical professional · checked 14 October 2026 · How we checkWhat the research found
A 2022 trial in 201 adolescents with obesity compared weekly semaglutide with placebo for 68 weeks, both with lifestyle support. BMI fell 16.1% with semaglutide and rose 0.6% with placebo. Weight loss of 5% or more occurred in 73% on semaglutide and 18% on placebo.
A 2020 trial in 251 adolescents tested daily liraglutide for 56 weeks. A BMI reduction of at least 5% occurred in 43.3% on liraglutide and 18.7% on placebo. A 2025 trial in 82 children aged 6 to under 12 found BMI fell 5.8% with liraglutide and rose 1.6% with placebo.
A 2025 review in Pediatrics describes GLP-1 medicines as an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan for some young people with obesity. It notes they are now approved for adolescents. The children's trial reported that no medicines were then approved for obesity in children under 12.
What it doesn’t mean
- These medicines are not a cure and are meant to be used with lifestyle and behaviour changes. Many cause digestive side effects. The Pediatrics review stresses checking mental health, disordered eating and nutrition during treatment.
- The child trials ran for about a year and the youngest-age trial was small, so longer-term effects in children are less clear. The Australian product listing for Wegovy describes adult use, so ask a doctor what is approved and suitable for your child.
- They are prescription-only. If you are worried about your child's weight, or lifestyle changes are not helping, see your GP. Tell health professionals about the medicine before any surgery or sedation, as Australian regulators have added a warning about this.
Sources
General information only, not medical advice. KIDS fact-checks are generated by AI from published research and are not reviewed by doctors or other health professionals. They can be wrong or out of date. Always talk to your GP or child’s doctor about your child, and call 000 in an emergency. Spotted a problem? Tell us.
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