Teen Ozempic Prescriptions Surge 50% Amid Long-Term Health Concerns

Prescriptions of Ozempic and similar semaglutide-based weight-loss drugs have surged dramatically among teenagers, with studies showing increases of 50 to nearly 68 percent in 2024. These medications, which suppress appetite and mimic fullness, are being used more frequently to combat severe obesity in youth, yet doctors express significant concern about the unknown long-term effects on growing bodies, including potential impacts on bone and muscle development. Experts warn that teens on these drugs may face nutritional deficiencies due to reduced food intake, which could impair healthy growth and increase risks like osteoporosis later in life. Pediatricians emphasize the need for cautious prescription, ideally alongside lifestyle changes, while acknowledging most clinics lack the equipment or training to monitor potential adverse effects over time. Despite the rising use, manufacturers like Novo Nordisk maintain there is no cause for alarm based on current data. The trend reflects a broader societal shift in attitudes toward weight-loss medications, but medical professionals urge careful consideration given the limited understanding of long-term safety in adolescents.