A recent US study highlights the potential for nutritional deficiencies in children taking GLP-1 medications for weight management, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes. Analyzing data from 2,031 children aged 10 to 17, researchers discovered that nearly one in six developed deficiencies within their initial year of treatment. Among these, vitamin D deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia were the most prevalent.
The study focused on 2,031 children aged 10–17 who had been on a health plan for at least six months before starting GLP-1 medication and had no prior nutritional deficiencies. Recent data reveals a 310-fold increase in GLP-1 prescriptions for weight loss in US children under 12 from 2019 to June 2026, including drugs like Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda.
Liraglutide was the most prescribed medication in the cohort, accounting for 78.6% of prescriptions, followed by dulaglutide (10.4%) and semaglutide (9.1%).
The Childhood Obesity study analyzed national administrative claims data from 2017 to 2022, encompassing over 100 million patients. This population included 2,031 GLP-1 users aged 10–17 years who were continuously enrolled in a health plan for at least six months before receiving a GLP-1 prescription and who had no previous diagnosis of nutritional deficiencies.
Distinct Risks for Children
Since the study’s data extends only through 2022, it primarily reflects practices before the FDA approved semaglutide for adolescents aged 12 to 17. Unlike adults, children on GLP-1 medications face unique risks, including disruptions to growth, puberty, bone mineralization, and lean body mass development.
After one year of treatment, 16.8% of pediatric patients were diagnosed with at least one nutritional deficiency or related complication, up from 10.2% at six months. In contrast, adult studies cited a 22.4% deficiency rate at 12 months. Within the first year, 12.4% of children were diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency, the most common issue, while 1.55% developed nutritional anemia.
The study’s reliance on administrative claims data, due to the absence of routine screening guidelines, may underreport true deficiency rates by missing subclinical cases. Its descriptive design establishes associations rather than causation between GLP-1 use and deficiencies.
Ryder noted that only 5% of patients received nutritional counseling within 30 days of starting GLP-1 treatment, and just 23.3% received it within six months, highlighting a gap in early support. The study authors say that this underutilization may stem from a lack of registered dietitian nutritionists, lack of insurance coverage, or patient preference.
