The Truth About New Weight-Loss Medications: What Youth Need to Know

With the rise of new weight-loss medications in the media, youth need to be informed about their potential effects and the messages they send about body image. Brand-name medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zephound may promote their use for weight loss, or as a side effect of treating other health concerns.

Among the young people being prescribed weight loss medications for type 2 diabetes and weight management, an overwhelming majority - 60 percent - are female according to data published in May 2024 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The same study recognizes the absence of data regarding the health effects of their long-term use, let alone the impacts on self-esteem, body acceptance, and mental health.

Let’s unpack this information for a second, beginning with one fundamental truth: all bodies are good bodies.

People of different body sizes, abilities, and family histories have good bodies. Someone who meets the societal definition of thin (which changes week to week sometimes) can be healthy or unhealthy, just like people who have larger bodies. Health is more than just a number on the scale—it’s about feeling good in your body, nurturing your mental health, and embracing your unique self.

Weight-loss medications are one more way to promote ideas about what bodies “should” look like, according to the latest trends of what’s acceptable or not.

This is especially harmful for youth. Young people are still formulating what health means to them. They’re navigating so many messages from media, family, peers, and community about what’s acceptable, and that if they don’t meet the expectation, they aren’t valued. And the impacts are real. In a 1999 study, it was found that girls who dieted moderately were 5 times more likely to develop an eating disorder, and those who practiced extreme restriction were 18 times more likely to develop an eating disorder than those who didn’t diet.

So what should youth do?

Do research. According to the Center for Body Trust, weight-loss medications may present risks, including side effects that affect physical and emotional well-being. They don’t necessarily encourage healthy habits or sustainable change.

Consider the messages and their goals. The focus should always be on long-term wellness and learning to love and care for your body, rather than relying on one more diet-culture marketing tactic. Instead, surround yourself with people and media who remind us that self-care, body neutrality, and mental heath are priorities.

Remember you are worthy every day. Your weight or appearance does not define your worth, and we should support each other in embracing bodies of all sizes.

If you are a parent or a youth-serving professional, check out the professional development training available at Ophelia’s Place. The Weight Bias & Body Diversity training is a great place to learn how to better support youth through these conversations. Learn more at OpheliasPlace.net/Training.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, visit NationalEatingDisorders.org.