Kids Are Now Using Ozempic

In an unprecedented move, children as young as 6 are being enrolled in a trial to test the effectiveness of weight loss injections, specifically semaglutide, known commercially as Ozempic and Wegovy. This bold step, sponsored by Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, marks a pivotal moment in the battle against child obesity in the U.K.

Semaglutide operates on a simple yet profound principle: it tricks the brain into feeling fuller for longer periods by slowing digestion and reducing appetite (via the Mayo Clinic). While this mechanism is effective in adults, it raises questions about its application in younger, developing bodies.

While semaglutide has shown promise in adult weight loss, its side effects cannot be overlooked. According to Drugwatch, reports link the drug to a range of adverse effects, from nausea and digestive issues to more severe concerns like gallstones and increased suicidal thoughts.

Integral to the trial is a requirement that child participants adhere to a diet and exercise regimen alongside their injections. This component is critical, as it acknowledges that medication alone is not a panacea for obesity (via The Daily Mail).

This trial is not confined to a small cohort or a single location; it is a global effort involving more than 200 children across four NHS hospitals in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, and Liverpool.

Critics of the trial argue that focusing on pharmaceutical interventions may divert attention from the root causes of obesity, such as poor diet and inadequate physical activity (via JAMA Network Open). They caution against seeking a “quick fix” through medication, advocating instead for more sustainable lifestyle modifications and preventive measures.

The popularity of semaglutide among celebrities has skyrocketed, turning it into a highly sought-after weight loss solution. However, the experiences of public figures like Tracy Morgan, who gained weight while using Ozempic, serve as a reminder of the drug’s limitations (via E! Online).

Obesity’s toll on the U.K.’s health system and the economy is staggering, with an estimated annual cost of £100 billion (via The Guardian). This figure encompasses medical expenses as well as the broader economic impacts, including lost productivity and increased care needs.

Despite semaglutide’s approval for use in overweight children aged 12 and above in the U.S. and EU, the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) awaits more conclusive evidence before making it widely available.

With the trial set to conclude in November 2025, anticipation builds over its outcomes and potential to revolutionize child obesity treatment.

The debate surrounding semaglutide’s use in children highlights a delicate balance between innovation in medical treatments and the ethical considerations of such interventions.

As the trial progresses, it serves as science-based hope for those seeking new avenues to address child obesity. The journey toward broad acceptance and use of semaglutide for children is full of challenges, including proving its efficacy and ensuring its safety.