A new national study finds GLP-1 weight-loss medications are becoming the dominant treatment for obesity in teens and young adults, while researchers say guidance on how to use these therapies is still evolving.
Obesity treatment for young people in the U.S. is rapidly changing.
Adolescents and young adults are increasingly using GLP-1 weight-loss medications, while rates of bariatric surgery are declining, according to a new study.
Researchers analyzed records from more than 204,000 patients ages 13 to 25 who were treated for obesity between May 2022 and January 2026.
They found exclusive GLP-1 use increased from 88.2% in 2022 to 96.1% by early 2026. During the same period, bariatric surgery rates fell from 11.6% to 3.7%.
GLP-1 medications alone were used more often in teens than young adults, and more often in males than females.
Using GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery together remained rare, accounting for just 0.2% of patients throughout the study.
The authors say these findings highlight the need for evidence-based guidance on how GLP-1 medications should be used for adolescents and young adults.
More research is needed on changing patient preferences in this age group and long-term outcomes of newer treatment options.
Source: JAMA Pediatrics
Author Affiliations: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
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