GLP-1 Use Surges Among Young People With Obesity

July 22, 2026
HealthDay Staff HealthDay Reporter

Obesity treatment for young people in the U.S. is rapidly changing.

Adolescents and young adults are increasingly using GLP-1 weight-loss medications, while rates of bariatric surgery are declining, according to a study published July 20 in JAMA Pediatrics.

"This research is the first national-scale Epic Cosmos analysis, to our knowledge, to characterize real-world use of combined GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy and metabolic and bariatric surgery among adolescents and young adults with obesity," said lead author Sarah Messiah, associate dean for research at UT Southwestern’s Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health.

Researchers analyzed records from more than 204,000 patients between 13 and 25 years of age who were treated for obesity between May 2022 and January 2026.

They found exclusive GLP-1 use increased from 88.2% in 2022 to 96.1% by early 2026. During the same period, bariatric surgery rates fell from 11.6% to 3.7%.

GLP-1 medications alone were used more often in teens than young adults, and more often in males than females.

Using GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery together remained rare, accounting for just 0.2% of patients throughout the study.

Researchers said these findings highlight the need for evidence-based guidance on how GLP-1 medications should be used for adolescents and young adults.

More research is needed on changing patient preferences in this age group and long-term outcomes of newer treatment options.

More information

Lurie Children’s Hospital has more on GLP-1 medications and teens.

SOURCE: HealthDay TV, July 22, 2026

Adolescents / Teens Weight Loss