Wegovy for Teens: The ultimate Guide for Parents
Many individuals struggling with obesity are often unjustly stigmatized or misunderstood, as the common misconception persists that obesity is solely a result of poor lifestyle choices or lack of discipline. In reality, a significant number of those facing obesity maintain healthy eating habits and engage in regular physical activity.
Despite their earnest efforts, they find that their metabolism is unresponsive, holding onto excess weight. This can be incredibly frustrating and demoralizing, and it emphasizes the complexity of weight management.
Obesity is not a simple equation of calories in versus calories out, but a multifaceted issue involving genetics, hormones, and individual metabolic rates.
Medications like Wegovy (Semaglutide), when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, can help bridge the gap, offering a new avenue for those who have found traditional weight loss strategies ineffective.
What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a groundbreaking medication that acts on the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone receptors in the body made by Novo Nordisk. By mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, Wegovy controls sugar levels and aids in weight management. This medication is designed to last longer in the body by binding to albumin, a protein in the bloodstream, which enables it to remain active for approximately 160 hours.
The FDA approved Wegovy for treatment of obesity in teens in late December, 2022, after a clinical trial showed that teens with elevated body mass index who took the weight loss drug wegovy (along with diet, physical activity, and lifestyle changes) lost 16% of their body weight compared to a weight gain of 0.6% in the placebo group.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota showed that almost half of those young adults who took the anti obesity medication Wegovy lost enough weight to no longer be considered obese. They were either normal weight or with a slightly high BMI, but below the obesity threshold.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended the use of weight loss medication for adolescent patients with obesity in their latest guidelines.
Approved and Off-Label Uses
Semaglutide is available in two injectable forms: Wegovy and Ozempic. Wegovy, specifically designed for teens aged 12 and above, is approved for chronic weight management in both children and adults. On the other hand, the similar drug Ozempic is specifically approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, there's Rybelsus, an oral form of the GLP-1 Receptor agonist is approved to treat type 2 diabetes.
Off-label uses, such as employing Ozempic for weight loss, are common but require consultation with a healthcare professional to discuss appropriate treatment options.
How Wegovy Works and Its Effectiveness in Weight Loss
Wegovy has shown impressive effectiveness in weight loss, notably in children aged 12-18 using Wegovy. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it this drug binds to the GLP-1 receptors naturally occurring in the body and helps decrease appetite and controls eating habits.
When diet and exercise are not enough, for many teens, a weight loss drug can be the missing piece in the weight loss puzzle, tipping the scales in favor of a healthy weight.
Since it's FDA approval, doctors specializing in pediatric obesity medicine are eagerly watching to see if weight loss medications improve the health and/or reduce the need for weight loss surgery for young people with obesity.
Dosage and Administration
The response to Wegovy varies among individuals. It is typically started at a low dose and gradually increased. Wegovy, for instance, is escalated monthly up to 2.4mg per week in teens to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Proper guidance and monitoring of teens throughout the treatment by a healthcare professional are vital.
Administration Guidelines
The Wegovy pen is a pre-filled, injectable device that should be taken weekly on the same day and can be injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It's designed to provide accurate dosing and ease of use, making it more convenient for patients to self-administer their weekly injections.
Many patients, find the idea of a weekly injection daunting, but it can be easy for adolescents to do with a little preparation.
Patients are advised to choose a consistent time for their dose, and it can be taken with or without food. If a dose is missed and it's within 5 days of the missed dose (but no less than 2 days before the next scheduled dose), it should be taken as soon as possible. If more than 5 days have passed since the missed dose or if the next regular dose is within 2 days, the missed dose should be skipped, and the normal schedule should be resumed.
Is Wegovy Safe for Non-Diabetics?
Wegovy is approved for chronic obesity in people without diabetes. While it can be considered safe, it's important to have a thorough discussion with a healthcare professional about potential benefits versus risks.
A Warning on Online Sale and Compounding
The online sale and compounding of Wegovy have become concerning issues. Off-brand versions of medications found online may be unreliable and potentially dangerous. Acquiring the drug through legal and legitimate channels is crucial to ensure safety.
Who Makes a Good Candidate?
A good candidate for Wegovy must meet specific considerations, such as comfort with self-injections, adequate kidney function, absence of contraindications, and willingness to follow instructions.
A comprehensive assessment by healthcare professionals will determine eligibility.
Combining Medication with Lifestyle Adjustments
When it comes to achieving a healthy weight, there is no magic bullet. The success of Wegovy in obesity doesn't only rely only on the drug itself.
Combining it with proper nutrition, exercise and lifestyle adjustments creates a synergy that sustains weight loss. This collaboration between medication and a healthy lifestyle offers a more balanced and realistic approach to weight management.
Intensive Health Behavior and Lifestyle Treatment: A Pediatric Recommendation with Limited Availability
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has officially recommended intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment (IHBLT) for all children and adolescents dealing with excess weight. Such a multifaceted approach emphasizes not only nutritional guidance but also incorporates mental health support, family involvement, and regular physical activity tailored to each individual's needs.
Unfortunately, these specialized programs are often challenging to access. Many are housed within academic centers that have long waiting lists or are limited to research studies. Additionally, some community programs funded by grants offer these services, but such funding is typically temporary and may not be available to all who need it.
The scarcity of these crucial treatment options represents a significant barrier in the battle against childhood obesity, leaving many families struggling to find the comprehensive support their children need.
Insurance Challenges and Costs
Many private insurers are denying coverage for anti-obesity medications, creating a significant obstacle in treatment accessibility. This is occurring even if the drug is prescribed by a pediatric obesity specialist, even if the pediatric patients have severe obesity, and even if prescribed by doctors at a center for pediatric obesity.
The denial is often through a carve-out in benefits for weight loss drugs, akin to a home insurance policy not covering appliances. Insurance companies cover the drugs in certain circumstances, often after participating in a supervised weight loss program. To aid this process, I have created an online IHBLT program that provides a certificate of completion. Though it doesn't guarantee coverage, it may help in your fight to access the needed treatment.
Side Effects and Interactions
Wegovy may cause side effects, including gastrointestinal disorders. Certain warnings and contraindications related to hypersensitivity, pregnancy, and specific medical conditions must be heeded.
When considering the risks and benefits of a weight loss drugs, it is also important to remember that NOT treating obesity also has potential side effects, since research shows obesity is a risk factor for obesity related conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, mental health concerns, obstructive sleep apnea, and heart disease
Consultation with a Doctor
Open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial. By asking informed questions, such as suitability, potential risks, benefits, timeline, and cost of Wegovy you can collaborate with doctors to find the most effective solutions to help you lose weight. If you are having trouble finding a doctor comfortable with managing excess weight check for a doctor certified by the American Board of Obesity medicine. If you are in the area, you can come see me in my San Francisco office.
Conclusion
Wegovy for teens and other weight loss drugs offer a promising avenue in the fight against obesity. However, understanding the intricacies of the medication, combining it with a balanced lifestyle, navigating insurance barriers, and fostering a partnership with healthcare professionals are essential for success. With awareness, determination, and the right tools, weight management is an attainable goal.
