IMG SOURCE: Nypost.com
Demi, a 16-year-old from Michigan, found herself in a challenging situation. Despite being an active participant in high school sports, her weight refused to budge. The continuous bullying and struggle with body image led her down a path of depression. Desperate for a solution, she turned to a new ally – weight-loss drugs.
“I’d look in the mirror and cry,” Demi confessed. “I truly hated my body.”
In March 2023, Demi discovered a potential solution to her weight problems – a diabetes medication called semaglutide. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for young individuals aged 12 and above, semaglutide is an active ingredient in both Wegovy and Ozempic. These drugs, traditionally used for Type 2 diabetes, have shown promising results in weight loss.
However, it’s important to note that while Wegovy is approved solely for weight loss management, Ozempic has not received FDA approval for weight loss in people under 18.
Demi’s mother, Deana, was no stranger to the struggles of weight loss. Having once weighed 366 pounds, she managed to lose 150 pounds with the help of Mounjaro, another popular weight loss drug. Seeing her own success, she was confident that similar drugs could help her daughter.
“We asked the doctor to put Demi on Wegovy,” Deana said. “The doctor was a little hesitant at first, but I told her if this medication had been available to me as a teen, my whole world would have been different.”
Pediatric surgeon Jun Tashiro supports the use of these drugs for overweight teens. According to him, anti-obesity medications can help reduce weight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and the risk of heart and kidney disease.
“In addition to diet and exercise, there are many options parents and adolescents can explore when it comes to weight loss,” Tashiro said, “including these medications.”
It’s worth noting, however, that these drugs do come with side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Patients with a family history of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis are at higher risk of developing more serious complications.
Since starting her Wegovy regimen, Demi has lost 60 pounds. But the transformation was more than just physical. She’s also noticed a significant improvement in her mental health and self-esteem.
“I’m happier with my body and mind,” said Demi. “I look in the mirror and feel confident.”
Demi’s story is far from unique. Many young individuals, like 12-year-old Natalie and 16-year-old Diego, have also experienced significant weight loss thanks to these drugs. Despite minor side effects, they’ve noticed a remarkable improvement in their overall health and self-confidence.
However, it’s essential to remember that these drugs are not a magic solution. Diego, who’s lost 86 pounds, emphasizes that the medication was only part of his weight loss journey.
“It’s not the GLP-1 that lost the weight,” Diego said. “I walked 10,000 steps every day, ate less and more healthy. It’s more than just taking a shot. You need to change your behavior and mindset.”
