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.