Is weight loss medication an option for my teen?

The rate of childhood obesity has more than tripled since the 1960s, and today obesity affects almost 20 percent of children. A variety of elements play a role in obesity — and sometimes eating healthy and leading an active lifestyle aren’t enough to counteract it. Today, weight loss medications and even bariatric surgery are options for some children diagnosed with obesity. probably even seen commercials for popular weight loss drugs — but are they right for kids? In this episode, host Dr. Jennifer Arnold explores weight loss medications for children with Dr. Margaret Stefater Richards, a physician and researcher here at Boston Children's Division of Endocrinology. Together, they address questions such as: • What causes obesity in kids? • Does obesity impact a child’s psychosocial health? • What are the potential long-term consequences if childhood obesity is not treated? • What are the available treatment options for kids with obesity? • Which medications can be used to help manage obesity in kids? • How does a clinician decide which medication to prescribe? • What are the potential side effects of weight loss medications? • Is there a risk of regaining weight if kids stop taking the medication? • Should patients with difficulty accessing these medicines through their doctors try dupes? There are many factors to consider when deciding on the right treatment option for your child. We take all these factors into account when offering weight loss medications to eligible patients.