600-Percent Surge Observed in Young People Receiving Diabetes, Weight Loss Medications

New data reveals a dramatic rise in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, among adolescents and young adults in the United States, ScienceNews reported yesterday.

From 2020 to 2023, the number of 12 to 25-year-olds picking up prescriptions for these medications skyrocketed by nearly 600%, reaching over 60,000 individuals, the source mentioned.

Notably, the surge was more pronounced among young women, with over three times as many females aged 18-25 receiving these drugs compared to their male counterparts.

Experts highlight the need to further investigate the long-term safety, side effects, and efficacy of these weight loss and diabetes therapies in younger populations. GLP-1 receptor agonists have gained a reputation in recent years for their drastic effect on weight — and other health benefits.