What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications that includes well-known brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide). Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, they were found to be highly
effective for weight loss. They work by mimicking a gut hormone that signals a feeling of fullness to the brain, slows stomach emptying, and helps regulate blood sugar. For many adults, these drugs have been transformative, but their application in younger populations is a newer and more complex frontier. While some are approved for teens 12 and over in certain countries, the long-term effects on a developing body are still being studied.
The WHO's Cautious Stance
In its first-ever international guidelines on childhood obesity management, the World Health Organization has taken a clear and cautious position. The WHO strongly recommends against the use of any pharmacological treatments, including GLP-1s, for children under the age of 10. For adolescents aged 10 to 19, the agency states that these drugs should only be considered after a comprehensive, supervised lifestyle program—focusing on diet, physical activity, and behavioural support—has proven ineffective. Dr. Luz María De Regil, Director of the WHO's Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, emphasized that the foundation of care is not medicine or surgery, but holistic support. The WHO's guidance highlights concerns over the lack of long-term data on safety and efficacy in adolescents.
Why Medical Supervision Is Crucial
The WHO's emphasis on medical supervision is rooted in the potential risks and side effects these powerful drugs can pose, especially for growing bodies. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, which can be severe enough to cause some to stop treatment. More serious, though rare, concerns include pancreatitis. For adolescents, there are additional worries about whether the significant reduction in appetite could lead to nutritional deficiencies or impact growth and development, including bone health and puberty. Experts stress that these medications are not a 'quick fix' and must be part of a long-term strategy managed by a medical team that monitors for side effects and ensures the teen is receiving adequate nutrition. There's also the risk of misuse, especially among teens vulnerable to eating disorders.
The Indian Context: A Growing Crisis
The conversation around GLP-1s is particularly relevant in India, which is facing a rapidly escalating childhood obesity crisis. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2026, India ranks second globally, with over 41 million children and adolescents living with a high BMI. Projections show this number could surge to 56 million by 2040, bringing with it a wave of early-onset chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and hypertension. A key driver is lifestyle, with studies showing 74% of Indian adolescents do not get enough physical activity. In this context, while new treatments are welcome, they must be approached carefully. Semaglutide has been approved by India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for use in children over 12 with morbid obesity, but medical bodies are in the process of drafting specific guidelines to prevent overuse.
