Hundreds of children in England receive weight-loss drug prescriptions
A Guardian investigation reveals hundreds of children in England received GLP-1 medication prescriptions during the financial year 2025-26.
Prescription numbers for young patients
The Guardian obtained data showing 419 prescriptions were issued to children under 18 in the financial year 2025-26. Ten of these cases involved children younger than 12 years old during that same period. Between April and July of this year, a total of 341 prescriptions were issued to children, including 15 who were younger than 12. These figures come from the NHS Business Services Authority and cover community settings across the UK.
Rising obesity rates drive demand
National Child Measurement Programme data indicates 10.7 percent of reception-year children are obese while 22.8 percent of year 6 students face the same issue. The World Health Organization reported 400 million children aged five to 19 were overweight globally in 2024. NHS England piloted Complications from Excess Weight clinics starting in 2021 for severe obesity cases among young people.
Medical experts discuss long-term care
Professor Martin Whyte of the University of Surrey stated children need lifestyle changes alongside medication treatment plans. Consultant paediatrician Dr Dunia Ismail noted clinics are considering expanding age limits once licenses approve lower thresholds. Experts warn weight often returns after stopping drugs and data on long-term use in growing youth remains limited.
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