Evidence-graded answer
Can teenagers take GLP-1 medications?
Yes — Wegovy is FDA-approved for ages 12+ with BMI ≥95th percentile for age. Saxenda is approved 12+ with BMI ≥30 kg/m² equivalent. Zepbound is approved 12+ (2024 label update). All require pediatric/adolescent medicine specialist oversight.
STEP-TEENS (semaglutide 2.4 mg in adolescents 12-17, NEJM 2022): mean BMI reduction 16.1% vs 0.6% placebo at 68 weeks — magnitude similar to adults.
AAP 2023 guidelines endorse pharmacotherapy for adolescents 12+ with obesity, as an adjunct to comprehensive behavior + nutrition treatment.
Long-term safety (growth, puberty, bone density) is still being studied. Current consensus: GLP-1 use in this age group should be under specialist care with ≥6-month follow-up intervals.
Source: STEP-TEENS NEJM 2022, NEJM