Study reveals a 600% increase in prescriptions for weight loss and diabetes medications for young people since 2020.
Lately, there has been a massive upsurge in demand for certain drugs amongst people of all ages, but a study published on Wednesday in the journal JAMA revealed that between 2020 and 2023, the number of prescriptions written for individuals aged 12 to 25 skyrocketed from 8,722 to 60,567.
The report identified that young women and adolescent girls experienced the greatest increase in the number of prescriptions.
The information for this study was sourced from a database that records prescriptions from more than 93% of retail pharmacies in the United States, but it must be noted that this data doesn't provide details on the specific reason for the prescriptions or whether the individuals actually used the medication.
Interestingly, the study found that there was a 3% decrease in the prescription of other medications during the same time frame for this age group.
Ozempic (semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), Byetta (exenatide), Saxenda (liraglutide), and Wegovy (semaglutide) were among the drugs studied. These medications are approved to treat type 2 diabetes and aid in weight loss, and they can be prescribed to children as young as 10 or 12. Tirzepatide, sold as Zepbound and Mounjaro, is only approved for adults.
The researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School and Yale University felt it was essential to emphasize the need for raising awareness about safe and appropriate prescribing practices amongst healthcare professionals including endocrinologists, family doctors, and nurse practitioners, due to the growing number of young people receiving these types of prescriptions.
A recent study highlighted that the number of people aged 10 to 19 with type 2 diabetes more than doubled in the US over the past two decades. By 2060, experts predict that the number of young people with type 2 diabetes will increase by a staggering 673%.
Young people in America are also facing a significant obesity issue; in fact, the average young adult is now overweight, according to a 2023 study. Approximately 1 in 6 adolescents are overweight, and nearly 1 in 5 are obese, as per existing research. Obesity affects 14.4 million children and teens in the US alone.
Obesity during childhood significantly raises an individual's chances of experiencing weight-related issues later in life. Furthermore, obesity can increase the risk of other health conditions like heart disease, renal problems, and even cancer, not to mention its mental health implications.
Dr. Melanie Cree, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children's Hospital Colorado involved in clinical trials with these medications for almost a decade, stated that their effect on kids has been miraculous, helping them reduce weight, lower their blood sugar levels, reduce liver fat, and improve their cardiac and kidney functioning – all of which are associated with type 2 diabetes.
These drugs, according to Cree, who was not part of the new study, have revolutionized the way diabetes is perceived and treated.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated its guidelines on managing obesity and included the use of weight loss medications for individuals aged 12 and over, in addition to lifestyle changes and behavioral treatment for the entire family.
Cree noted that there are few negative consequences of these drugs, with some patients experiencing side effects like nausea. However, she wishes to see more research dedicated to this area.
When these medications are available, they have made a huge difference in her patients' lives; many have reported significant weight loss, even producing dramatic transformations.
The primary downsides are related to the cost of the medication and challenges in finding insurance coverage, especially when used for weight loss. The shortage of these drugs is also hindering some patients' access.
The mother of a child who experienced substantial weight loss shared with Cree that the medication had restored her daughter regaining her confidence and sense of self. It was a moment of personal empowerment.
Another patient, a girl who shed significant weight after completing some medication, had attended her first-ever end-of-year dance - a prom party, which she athymosyne felt comfortable dressing up for. This was a significant milestone in her life.
As a clinician, Cree feels fortunate to witness these life-changing moments in her patients and be a vocal supporter of these young individuals' remarkable journeys.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
