Can Teenagers Take Diet Pills? Safe Weight-Loss Treatment for Teens

Key takeaways:

The first step in weight-loss treatment usually involves lifestyle and dietary changes. After that, healthcare professionals may recommend weight-loss medications or surgery for some older teens.
Obesity is one of the most common chronic conditions during the teenage and adolescent years.
Weight gain is complex. So, before creating a treatment plan, a healthcare professional will consider all of the factors that may be at play, including developmental, environmental, behavioral, and genetic factors.

If your teen has a body mass index (BMI) in the overweight or obese categories, they’re not alone. Obesity has become one of the most common chronic conditions in childhood. In the U.S., 1 in 3 children and adolescents fall into the overweight (greater than 85th percentile) or obese (greater than 95th percentile) BMI categories. And this puts them at risk for serious short- and long-term health risks later in life. So many caregivers are looking for safe and effective treatments to help their teens manage their weight.

With so much attention around weight-loss medications, like Wegovy (semaglutide), you may be wondering if this is an option for your teen. Let’s take a closer look at all of the healthy weight-loss options available and how you can help your teen.

What is a healthy weight for teens?

There’s no one-size-fits-all weight for teens. What’s considered a “healthy weight” will differ from person to person. Right now, BMI is the most used tool to determine someone’s weight category. While it’s a convenient tool, it’s not perfect.

BMI doesn’t measure body fat directly. It predicts the amount of body fat based on height and weight. Some studies have shown that a higher-than-average BMI for a child may predict future health risks. But keep in mind that it’s just a screening tool and not a perfect measurement.

For children, the BMI category of a “healthy weight” is assigned using percentile curves based on age and sex. Overweight is defined as a BMI between the 85th and 94th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex. Obesity is defined as a BMI of the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex.

Should teens take weight-loss pills?

A healthcare professional may prescribe children and adolescents a weight-loss medication as a part of their treatment plan. But options are generally limited for teens. That’s because there isn’t much research available on teens and weight-loss medications.

In general, experts only recommend weight-loss medications as an option for teens after they try a weight-management program. Even then, these medications are reserved for children who:

Have more immediate risk of health problems related to obesity
Are at least 12 years old (16 and up for some medications)
Have a BMI of at least the 95th percentile or more

Weight-loss medications used for teens

Oral medications that are commonly used in teens who meet the above criteria include:

Orlistat (Alli) blocks the absorption of fat by blocking certain digestive enzymes. It can have side effects like gas and diarrhea that make it hard to tolerate. Average weight loss is 5 lbs to 10 lbs in 6 months.
Phentermine (Adipex-P) is a stimulant that works by reducing appetite. It’s only used short term for teens 16 years and older because of the risk of serious side effects affecting the heart. Average weight loss is 8 lbs in 2 weeks.
Phentermine / topiramate (Qsymia) is a combination medication that works to reduce appetite. Average weight loss is 15 lbs in 3 months.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

What treatments and support options are covered by insurance? Understand how health plans handle weight-loss treatment costs — from lifestyle counseling to medications — so families can plan ahead.
How weight-loss meds work (and how they compare): For teens who may qualify under medical supervision, this article explains prescription weight-loss pills, how they help, and why professional guidance is essential.
Thinking beyond medication? Learn evidence-based strategies that support weight goals through healthy and balanced eating and activity — essential steps for teens before considering medication.

Making the decision to take weight-loss medication is a personal one. You should always discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare professional. They will help determine the best weight-management plan for your teen based on their specific health and lifestyle history.

Are GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy safe for teens?

Yes, Wegovy (semaglutide) is a safe and FDA-approved once-weekly injection to treat obesity in children and teens older than 12 years. Ozempic (semaglutide), a medication with the same ingredient that’s usually used to treat Type 2 diabetes, isn’t currently FDA approved for teens under the age of 18, though. Other GLP-1s like Victoza (liraglutide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide) are available for safe use in younger children, over the age of 10 years.

GLP-1s work in the brain to decrease appetite, and it slows the rate at which the stomach empties. This lets your teen feel fuller for longer and decreases the amount of calories they take in. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most of these symptoms are mild and resolve within a few days.

How can teens lose weight safely?

There are safe and effective ways to help teens lose weight, but they’re not quick and easy. That’s because obesity is a complex condition. And the most successful treatment approaches consider all of the factors that may be at play.

This usually starts with parents and family addressing lifestyle factors within the family. From there, obesity treatment may consist of:

Management of underlying conditions (like depression or polycystic ovarian syndrome)
Nutrition support
A physical activity plan
Behavioral therapy
Medications
Surgery (in rare cases)

Do weight-management programs work for teenagers?

With the supervision of a healthcare professional, weight-management programs for teens are very effective. But long-lasting diet, lifestyle, and behavioral changes aren’t easy to make without additional support.

These programs offer intensive treatment with a team approach that involves a:

Physician
Nutritionist
Mental health specialist

Unfortunately, these designated programs aren’t available in all areas. When there’s limited access, you may still be able to find individual healthcare professional services.

Is weight-loss surgery an option for teens?

For some teens, lifestyle changes and medication alone aren’t enough to treat the complications of obesity. In these severe cases, weight-loss surgery may be an option. The more commonly used weight-loss surgeries are the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass.

Healthcare professionals may recommend weight-loss surgery for a teen who:

Is 13 years old or older
Has a BMI of 35 or greater (above the 120th percentile) with weight-related health complications
Has a BMI of 40 or more (above the 140th percentile) with no weight-related health complications

There are many things to take into account when considering weight-loss surgery for your teen — including costs. Insurance coverage varies for teens under the age of 18.

The benefits of weight-loss surgery can be great. Research shows that 95% of teens reversed Type 2 diabetes, and 80% of teens no longer had high blood pressure after surgery.

When to ask your teen’s doctor about weight-loss treatment

Growth and weight measurements are an important part of development and should be discussed regularly at primary care visits. If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, let a healthcare professional know. They can offer tips and suggestions on how to manage their weight and develop a treatment plan.

In some cases, they can also refer you and your teen to a weight-management specialist for more specialized treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Weight loss is complex for anyone, and teens are no different. How the body processes and stores food for energy is different for everyone, but it can involve many things like:

Genetics
Stress
Not sleeping enough
Emotions
Sitting too much
Certain medical conditions

There are no specific vitamins that are designed to help teens lose weight. Having a well-balanced diet will ensure that your teen is getting the necessary nutrients they need so they don’t have any vitamin deficiencies. That being said, there’s some evidence that a deficiency in vitamin D may be a factor in obesity.

It can be challenging for anyone at any stage of life to lose weight. Teenagers on average, may have a higher metabolism rate than adults and may tend to be more active, but that doesn’t always mean losing weight is easier. Losing weight is a unique process for everyone and requires a support system for both teens and adults.

The bottom line

Obesity is a common health condition for teens, and it can be tough to treat. Lifestyle strategies, medication, and weight-loss surgery can help your teen prevent complications. The best treatment approach has support from a weight-loss physician, nutritionist, and a mental health professional. If you have concerns about your child's weight, talk with a healthcare professional. They can help find the best treatment options for your teen.

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Written by:

Louisa Salisbury, MD

Louisa Salisbury, MD, is a licensed, board-certified general pediatrician. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of California, San Diego, and her medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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