Have you been hearing the buzz about weight loss pills for teens? With new medications making headlines and social media full of before-and-after stories, it's more important than ever to understand what’s truly safe—and what’s not. This guide breaks down what parents and their teens should know about prescription weight loss medications. We’ll explore how these drugs work, who they’re meant for, and the important role that nutrition, lifestyle, and medical supervision play in weight management. 

What are weight loss medications and how do they work?

Weight loss medications are designed to help people who are overweight or have obesity lose weight and improve their overall health. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether medication is right for you, or if diet and lifestyle changes alone may be effective. Weight loss medications are prescribed based on your body mass index (BMI) or if you have weight-related health conditions (more on qualifying criteria for teens below).

There are several types of weight loss medications, each working in different ways to support weight management. Some target appetite-regulating hormones to help you feel less hungry or feel more full, while others reduce the amount of fat your body absorbs from food. 

Weight loss medications for teenagers 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) includes four anti-obesity medications in its most recent obesity treatment guidelines. “That’s because they recognize childhood obesity as a serious, chronic, progressive disease that requires long-term solutions and earlier intervention,” explains Dr. Rachel Coel, MD, PhD, FAAP, CAQSM, DABOM, Pediatrician at Summer Health. “Addressing obesity with medication acknowledges that for most children and their families, lifestyle interventions alone (diet, exercise, behavioral counseling) are insufficient in treating obesity.”

Research shows that medications used in combination with lifestyle changes can lead to greater reductions in BMI and body weight than lifestyle changes alone. Treating obesity earlier and more comprehensively and combining medication with lifestyle interventions can reduce the risk of serious long-term complications and comorbidities such as sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and heart disease.“Medications offer an additional option rather than simply prolonging failed therapies,” says Dr. Coel. 

Some of the most common weight loss medications for teenagers (ages 12 and up) include: 

• Orlistat (Xenical): A lipase inhibitor drug that works by preventing your body from absorbing fat from the foods you eat, which causes less calories from fat to be absorbed.

• Liraglutide (Saxenda): An glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drug that slows how quickly your stomach empties, which can help you feel full sooner and eat less.

• Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): This combination drug helps reduce appetite and increases feelings of fullness. It may also decrease cravings, specifically for sweets and carbonated drinks (like soda).

• Semaglutide (Wegovy): A GLP-1 that slows digestion and reduces appetite and food cravings.

Many of these medications are prescribed if a teenager also has other health-related conditions, like type 2 diabetes, since some can affect blood sugar levels.

Criteria for teens to qualify for weight loss medications

Not all teenagers with overweight or obesity are candidates for prescription weight loss medications. Doctors use specific criteria to determine who may benefit, including:

1. Age

Teenagers must be 12 years or older.

2. BMI criteria

Obesity in children is based on age, sex, height, and weight compared to other children of the same age and sex. Medications are only considered for teens with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile (obesity class 1), with related health problems such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and if lifestyle changes haven't worked.

Teens with a BMI at or above 120% of the 95th percentile typically qualify for weight loss medications even if they do not have other health problems.

3. Dietary and lifestyle changes 

Before considering medication, teens should have tried healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes, like improving their diet and getting regular exercise, but did not achieve sufficient results.

4. Medical complications

Common health complications may support starting medication, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance/prediabetes

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Abnormal levels of fat in the blood (dyslipidemia)

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

• Obstructive sleep apnea

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

• Obesity-related issues such as Blount’s disease or slipped capital femoral epiphysis

• Mental and social health concerns, including bullying or depression

Your doctor will also review your medical history and family history to check for any health conditions. In some cases, certain weight loss medications may be avoided if you or a family member have specific medical issues.

Why is age 12 the recommended starting point for anti-obesity medications?

Age 12 marks the beginning of adolescence. This age cutoff is based on scientific evidence from clinical trials. Research studies only included participants ages 12 and older, and the safety and effectiveness of these drugs have been proven only within this age group. For children under age 12, there are no large, well-controlled studies to show that the medications are safe or effective.

“It’s also unclear how the drugs may affect growth, puberty, brain development,” says Dr. Coel. “Also before age 12, some weight gain can be a normal part of development and medications could negatively impact normal growth.”

Once puberty begins (around age 12), a teenager’s metabolism and hormones start to act more like an adult’s, which can make medications more effective. For children younger than 12, there are also ethical concerns, including the risk of creating negative body image issues or overmedicalizing normal variations in childhood body types.

Side effects of weight loss medications

Like adults, teens may experience side effects from weight loss medications. Common side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea and constipation

• Abdominal pain or cramps

• Headache and dizziness

• Fatigue

• Injection site reactions (for medications given by injection)

Most side effects are mild, but there can be serious risks. These may include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, risks during pregnancy, and potential effects on growth. Certain medications, such as phentermine and topiramate, may have additional risks, including cardiovascular problems and birth defects.

Dietary and lifestyle changes

“The first line treatment for weight loss is intensive health behavior counseling and lifestyle modification,” says Dr Coel. Eating a balanced diet and establishing healthy lifestyle habits is essential while taking weight loss medications. These changes not only improve weight loss results but also help teens build habits that support long-term health, even after stopping medication. Work with your pediatrician or a pediatric registered dietitian to create a plan that includes healthy eating, regular exercise, and lifestyle practices that support sleep, stress management, and mental health.

Frequently asked questions (FAQS)

Are weight loss supplements safe for teens?

Over-the-counter weight loss pills or supplements are not safe for teenagers. Many of these products contain unregulated or unknown ingredients that can be harmful, cause serious side effects, or interact with other medications. Teens should only use prescription weight loss medications under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Are weight loss medications safe?

Weight loss medications are safe when used as directed and under  the guidance of a healthcare provider.

How long should teens take weight loss medications?

The length of time a teen may take weight loss medications depends on how well the medication helps them lose weight and maintain those results, as well as whether they experience any serious side effects.

If you have questions about weight management for teens, reach out to your local or Summer Health pediatrician or pediatric dietitian for support. Summer Health is a pediatric telehealth platform offering 24/7 care, providing answers for everything from urgent concerns to everyday questions about your child’s health.