Losing weight is a common goal for many individuals, but when it comes to teenagers, the approach must be safe and appropriate for their developing bodies. With the rise in popularity of weight loss pills, it’s important to ask: Are they safe for teens under 18? This blog will break down the factors influencing teen weight loss, the risks of weight loss pills, and safer alternatives to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Weight loss in teenagers is not the same as it is for adults. Various biological factors, such as puberty, growth spurts, and hormonal changes, make shedding pounds far more complex than for someone who’s fully grown. In addition, teen metabolism works differently due to these physical changes. The body is undergoing rapid development, and nutrient needs are higher, so supporting this development is crucial while making healthy weight decisions.
Teenagers are still growing, and their body composition can change significantly. It’s common for teens to experience fluctuations in weight as they move through puberty. Some may gain weight due to increased appetite and changes in metabolism, while others may lose it naturally as their bodies adjust.
The answer to this question is nuanced. Medical professionals generally advise against using weight loss pills for minors due to limited research and concerns about side effects. There are only a handful of weight loss medications that have been approved for use in adolescents, and even then, they are typically prescribed only after other interventions, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity, have been explored.
Studies show that weight-loss medications prescribed to teens are often used as part of a broader treatment plan. However, options are few because of the lack of extensive studies on the safety of these medications in minors [1].
Some medications, like Wegovy (semaglutide), have shown promising results in helping teens reduce BMI combined with lifestyle changes. Research suggests that those who used Wegovy, along with a healthier diet and regular exercise, experienced a more significant reduction in BMI compared to other weight loss options.
Moreover, this medication also helped lower risks for heart disease and improved metabolic health factors like cholesterol and HbA1c levels [2]. However, this is not a blanket recommendation for all teenagers. A healthcare provider should make the decision based on the teen’s overall health, age, and medical history.
For teens, especially those around 14 years old, weight loss should only be pursued if there are health concerns related to obesity or if it is medically necessary. In some cases, weight loss may be required to manage or prevent conditions like Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. However, the approach to weight loss must prioritize health over appearance.
Teenagers should focus on fostering healthy habits that will benefit them long-term. Safe and sustainable approaches to weight loss include consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Focusing on gradual weight loss rather than drastic measures is also essential. Extreme calorie restriction or fad diets can negatively affect growth, development, and overall well-being.
Teens seeking to lose weight should first and foremost focus on maintaining a balanced diet. This means eating various nutritious foods and avoiding crash diets or harmful trends. Portion control, rather than calorie counting, can be an excellent way to promote weight loss while still nourishing the body.
Regular exercise is key. Teens should aim to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines, but this doesn’t have to be rigorous or unpleasant. Engaging in activities like swimming, walking, dancing, or cycling can be practical ways to burn calories while having fun. Aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
Sleep is another critical factor contributing to weight loss. Lack of sleep can lead to poor food choices and disrupt the body’s natural metabolic processes. Reducing stress levels and prioritizing restful sleep can help a teen maintain a healthy weight.
Targeting belly fat specifically, or “spot reduction,” is a common myth in the fitness world. The truth is that the body cannot specifically burn fat from just one area. Instead, overall weight loss is the key to reducing belly fat. A combination of healthy eating and cardiovascular exercise, such as running, biking, or swimming, can help reduce overall body fat, including belly fat.
For teens, the best approach is a well-rounded fitness routine that includes both strength training and cardiovascular exercises. Strength training exercises, like bodyweight squats, lunges, or push-ups, can help build muscle and increase metabolism, aiding in fat loss. Cardiovascular exercises will help burn calories, contributing to overall fat reduction.
Fortunately, there are many safe and natural alternatives to weight loss pills for teens. The best approach combines healthy eating, regular physical activity, and positive lifestyle habits. Encouraging good nutrition, physical activity, and stress management is the most effective way to promote weight loss in teens. A healthcare provider, dietitian, or fitness trainer can help guide a teen in setting realistic and sustainable goals.
In some cases, weight-loss surgery has proven to be beneficial for teens who struggle with severe obesity. Research shows that 95% of teens who undergo weight-loss surgery experience a reversal of Type 2 diabetes, and 80% no longer have high blood pressure post-surgery [3]. However, surgery should be considered only after other options have been explored, and teens must work closely with their healthcare providers to assess the risks and benefits.
Consulting with a professional is key to ensuring that weight management is safe and effective. Healthcare providers and dietitians can help teens and their families develop meal plans and exercise routines tailored to their needs, ensuring they stay healthy throughout weight loss.
Teens need to seek medical advice if they have concerns about their weight. Unhealthy weight loss habits, such as extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or disordered eating, can lead to serious physical and psychological consequences. Warning signs include drastic changes in weight, an unhealthy relationship with food, or signs of eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.
Teens should seek medical guidance when:
It’s essential to prioritize health and well-being over weight loss goals. Working with a healthcare provider ensures that teens receive the appropriate care, guidance, and support during their weight management journey.
While weight loss pills may seem like an appealing shortcut, they are not the safest or most effective approach for teenagers. Instead, focusing on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good lifestyle habits is the best way for teens to manage their weight healthily and sustainably. Consulting with a healthcare professional is always the best option if you’re concerned about weight loss or need guidance.
If you’re a teen or a parent of a teen looking for personalized guidance on safe weight management, scheduling a consultation at Best Weight Loss Medication can provide you with the expert advice and support you need to ensure health and well-being throughout the weight loss process.
1. Woodard K, Louque L, Hsia DS. Medications for the treatment of obesity in adolescents. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2020;11:2042018820918789. Published 2020 May 27. doi:10.1177/2042018820918789
2. Weghuber D, Barrett T, Barrientos-Pérez M, Gies I, Hesse D, Jeppesen OK, Kelly AS, Mastrandrea LD, Sørrig R, Arslanian S; STEP TEENS Investigators. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adolescents with Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022 Dec 15;387(24):2245-2257. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2208601. Epub 2022 Nov 2. PMID: 36322838; PMCID: PMC9997064.
3. Inge TH, Courcoulas AP, Jenkins TM, et al. Weight Loss and Health Status 3 Years after Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents. New England Journal of Medicine. 2015;374(2):113-123. doi: https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa1506699
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