6 Questions to Ask Before Your Child Starts a GLP-1

Starting a GLP-1? Ask these six questions first.

Choosing whether your child should start a GLP-1 is an important decision. A good pediatric obesity clinician shouldn't just write a prescription. They should explain why they're recommending it, discuss the alternatives, and help your family understand what to expect.

Here are six questions worth asking.

1. Which medication are you recommending, and is it FDA approved for my child's age?

Currently, two GLP-1 medications are FDA approved to treat obesity in adolescents: Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Saxenda® (liraglutide).

If your clinician recommends a different medication, ask whether it's being prescribed off-label, why they're recommending it, and what evidence supports that decision.

2. Is this a brand-name medication or a compounded product?

Brand-name GLP-1 medications are FDA approved, meaning their quality, safety, and dosing have been reviewed before approval.

Compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA approved, and their quality, potency, and dosing can vary. We do not recommend their use in children.

3. How will you monitor my child's growth and health?

Weight shouldn't be the only thing being monitored.

Ask how they'll monitor:

• growth and height
• puberty
• nutrition
• mental health
• side effects
• blood tests (when appropriate)

You should leave knowing how often follow-up visits are planned.

4. How will you protect muscle and bone health?

Children are still growing.

Ask how they'll make sure your child is eating enough protein, staying active, and maintaining healthy muscle and bone development throughout treatment.

5. What behavioral, lifestyle and nutrition support comes with the medication?

Medication works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Ask:

• Who provides behavioral, lifestyle and nutrition support?
• How often will we meet?
• What behavioral support is included?

Medication doesn't replace healthy habits, it creates the opportunity to build them. The same emphasis should be placed on nutrition, behavior, and family support as on the medication itself, so your child can build sustainable, lifelong habits.

6. What's the plan if medication isn't covered or eventually stops?

Insurance coverage isn't guaranteed, and treatment plans sometimes change.

Ask:

• Who handles prior authorizations and appeals?
• What happens if insurance denies coverage?
• What's the plan if medication is reduced or stopped in the future?

Having a plan from the beginning helps avoid surprises later.

The bottom line

A good clinician shouldn't mind these questions, they’ll encourage you to ask them.

The goal isn't simply to prescribe a medication. It's to make sure your family understands the benefits, risks, alternatives, and support available so you can make the best decision together.

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