In January of 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines for evaluating and treating childhood obesity for the first time in 15 years, recommending early and intensive treatment — which includes medications and surgery for some young patients.
“The report, published in Pediatrics on Jan. 9, defines obesity as a “complex and often persistent chronic disease” that affects the health of over 14.4 million children and adolescents, making it one of the most common pediatric chronic diseases in the United States.” – Today.com
“The prevalence of childhood obesity in the U.S. is about 20% (about one in five kids), according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” – Today.com
Obesity has been on the rise in almost every age group, race/ethnicity, and sex over the past 30 years.
The AAP blames the pandemic for making an already big problem among our youth even worse. Type 2 diabetes has also seen an increase as a result.
Childhood obesity can lead to more serious concerns down the line like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, joint pain and arthritis, as well as psychological and mental health detriments.
Statistics are showing that individuals who are overweight in childhood often do not grow out of it and end up carrying the extra weight into adulthood. Health issues that come along with obesity pile up over time and become more difficult to treat.
The AAP does say that the most effective treatment is still lifestyle and behavior changes, but their guidelines now include recommendations for medications and surgery for certain children.
The real question is WHY are so many more children obese, and WHY are the statistics continuing to rise?
Is surgery and medication for our youth really the answer?
‼️ Also in January, the FDA approved use of high-dose semaglutide medications for adolescents with obesity.
Let’s take a look at some reports on these drugs that are being prescribed to our kids…
Does this set off alarm bells for anyone else??
“The European Medicines Agency’s safety committee is investigating a possible risk of suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self-harm from certain drugs used to treat obesity and diabetes, according to a statement July 11.”
“Ozempic, which contains semaglutide, is approved in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide is also approved by the FDA under the brand name Wegovy as a treatment for obesity. “
“The investigation comes after the Icelandic Medicines Agency identified two cases of suicidal thoughts, one after use of Ozempic and another following use of Saxenda. Saxenda, which contains the active ingredient liraglutide, is used to treat obesity.” – Healthline.com
Four medications are approved for long-term use in children ages 12 and up (Orlistat, Wegovy, Saxenda and Qsymia) and one medication (phentermine) is approved for short-term use in children ages 16 and older. – Today.com
Pushing medications is NOT the answer! Do not resort to medications for childhood obesity without first doing extensive research and thoroughly exhausting ALL other options. There is plenty of research being conducted pointing to alarming side effects related to these drugs in adults, what could they do to our kids?!
