Semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy, was initially developed to manage Type 2 diabetes, but its popularity surged after revealing significant weight loss benefits. Increasingly, it’s being prescribed globally to adolescents dealing with obesity, with Australia recently allowing its use for children aged 12 and above. Despite the promising short-term outcomes, the potential long-term impacts on young users remain uncertain.
Sophie, a teenager from Colorado, was prescribed Ozempic after being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome at 16. Over two years, she lost 38 kilograms, significantly enhancing her self-esteem and confidence. She believes that Ozempic finally provided the solution when traditional dietary and physical fitness efforts failed. Similarly, Australian teen Addy, who began using Ozempic at just 14 for another medical issue, reported a 15-kilogram weight loss. Despite being active throughout her youth, Addy found that no other methods were effective, and her mother asserts that Ozempic was a critical factor in her weight loss journey.
There are concerns around how such drugs could be perceived as an easy solution; however, both families stress that they did not arrive at this decision lightly. With about one in four Australian children classified as overweight, experts like Professor Louise Baur from the University of Sydney highlight semaglutide as a significant advancement in treating obesity in adolescents. Yet, Baur warns about possible side effects, as evidenced by Addy, who experienced nausea severe enough to cause missed school days.
The teenagers are aware of the risks and seem willing to accept them for the benefits they’ve gained, with Sophie even participating in clinical trials to further investigate the drug’s effects on adolescents. Dr Melanie Cree, overseeing one such study, cautions that the long-term ramifications of semaglutide usage are still being explored. She shares her concerns over the lack of extensive long-term data but suggests it’s a viable option, particularly for those with mental health issues as a result of obesity.
The wider medical community acknowledges the necessity of addressing the rising obesity epidemic among the youth. Professor Aaron Kelley leads a notable study focusing on Ozempic’s effects, reinforcing the need for careful monitoring while also recognising the gravity of untreated obesity. Despite the uncertainty, both Sophie and Addy assert that their improved mental wellbeing and happiness justify the trials associated with using semaglutide.
For those struggling with body image issues, support is available through organisations like the Butterfly National Helpline.