Pediatric Prescriptions: GLP-1 drugs reach more children

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, weight-loss medications known as GLP-1s are expanding beyond adult patients.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician and host of Aging Untold, stated that these drugs are now being prescribed for some children.

Rogers explained that lifestyle changes, including healthy eating and exercise, do not always produce results for every patient.

She noted that genetics can play a role in weight management for young people.

Rogers said, "Sometimes that just move more and eat less is not enough because you have genetics and all that."

She added that extreme weight can lead to hormonal dysregulation, a condition that requires medical intervention.

According to Rogers, GLP-1 agonists help reduce what she called "food noise" and "food chatter."

The physician described the drugs as anti-inflammatory tools.

She stated, "Some people just need a little bit more help because of that hormonal dysregulation."

Eligibility for these medications varies based on the specific condition being treated.

For diabetes patients, the age requirement can be 10 years and older.

Experts identify the ideal candidate for weight-loss GLP-1s as a patient with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile who has not responded to lifestyle changes alone, including those with hormone problems requiring medical intervention, Rogers said of expert consensus on ideal candidates for weight loss GLP-1s having a BMI at or above the 95th percentile and lifestyle changes alone not working including patients who have developed hormone problems requiring medical intervention. (Wait, I must rephrase that last part to be cleaner and ensure I don't just copy the source text directly. Let's re-draft the eligibility section.)