Dr. Rhea Rogers: GLP-1 drugs now prescribed for some children

Ten.

That is the minimum age for a diabetes patient to receive a prescription for GLP-1 drugs, a class of weight-loss medications primarily known for their use in adults.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician and host of the program Aging Untold, stated that these prescriptions are increasingly common for children who struggle with weight despite standard interventions. She noted that healthy eating and increased physical activity do not always produce the desired results for every young patient.

"Sometimes that just move more and eat less is not enough because you have genetics and all that," Rogers said. She explained that when a child becomes significantly overweight, the condition often leads to hormonal dysregulation. In these cases, medication can help manage the biological drivers of weight gain.

Rogers described GLP-1 agonists as effective tools for reducing what she called "food noise" and "food chatter." She also noted that these drugs have anti-inflammatory properties. According to her, some children require medical assistance because of these specific hormonal issues.

Experts indicate that the ideal candidate for a weight-loss prescription in this class of drugs has a body mass index at or above the 95th percentile. Additionally, the patient must have already attempted lifestyle changes without success. This includes individuals who have developed hormone problems that require medical intervention. Rogers emphasized that the medication is not a standalone solution. "It’s not a miracle drug, it’s a tool, and so you have to treat the whole entire scenario," she said.

Cost remains a major obstacle for many families considering these treatments. For patients who cannot afford the medication or choose not to take it, the current standard of care involves maintaining well-balanced meals and a healthy lifestyle. Students at Magnolia Woods Elementary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are currently learning about these healthy habits as part of a statewide effort to lower obesity rates.