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Hundreds of children in England receive GLP-1 prescriptions as use grows
An investigation found that hundreds of children in England have been prescribed GLP-1 medicines, including some under 12, as the drugs’ use for weight loss grows. Experts say children need specialist supervision and long-term support because weight can return after treatment stops and evidence on prolonged use during growth remains limited.
There were 419 prescriptions for under-18s in the 2025-26 financial year, including 10 for under-12s; from April to July this year, there were 341 prescriptions, including 15 for under-12s. The figures exclude private prescriptions and some hospital and prison dispensing, so may understate use, and do not show whether every prescription was for weight loss. Childhood obesity remains common: 10.7% of children aged four to five and 22.8% of those aged 10 to 11 are obese.
In short
- Hundreds of children in England received GLP-1 prescriptions.
- Some prescriptions were for children under 12.
- Experts call for specialist care and long-term monitoring.
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The case for
Carefully supervised GLP-1 treatment may help some children with severe obesity, a condition linked to serious health risks, when other support has not been enough. Advocates may argue that specialist prescribing alongside long-term lifestyle and health care gives families another tool, while rising prescription numbers warrant better monitoring rather than assuming every use is inappropriate.
The case against
Prescribing these medicines to children, especially those under 12, raises concerns because evidence on prolonged use during growth is limited and weight may return when treatment stops. Critics may argue that children need sustained, specialist support and that expanding use before long-term effects are better understood risks exposing them to uncertain harms.
Explained simply
GLP-1 medicines are a group of drugs that affect appetite and blood sugar. Some are prescribed to help people lose weight, alongside support with diet and health; they are not intended for unsupervised use.
In England, medicines for children are generally prescribed and monitored by health professionals, with specialist care needed for weight management. Children are still growing, and evidence about the effects of using these drugs over a long period is limited.
The issue sits within wider concern about childhood obesity, which affects children of different ages across England. Health experts also point to the need for ongoing support, as weight can return after treatment ends.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Hundreds of children in England prescribed weight-loss jabs, figures show”.