Dr Nick Fuller
Leading Obesity Expert at the University of Sydney and founder of Interval Weight Loss.
With weight loss treatments dominating social media and dinner table conversations, many parents are feeling a new kind of pressure. It’s natural to see these success stories and wonder if they could be the ‘quick fix’ for a teenager’s struggles with weight and self-esteem.
The reality, however, is a little more complex. Adolescence is a biological rollercoaster—a critical window of growth spurts, shifting hormones, and the forming of lifelong habits. Because of this, any medical intervention requires a deeply considered, ‘whole-family’ approach.
While medications like GLP-1s have been approved for certain teens managing obesity and specific health risks, they are far from a one-size-fits-all solution. Our long-term safety data for this age group is still growing, and as experts, we always stress that the most effective strategy isn't found in a needle alone. It’s found by pairing medical support with the consistent, healthy lifestyle habits that help a young person thrive.
Let us explore when these injections might be appropriate, the potential risks to a developing body, and the smarter, sustainable ways to support your teen’s health for the long term.
It is important to remember that weight loss injections aren't a ‘plug-and-play’ solution for every teenager. Because an adolescent’s body is in a unique state of flux, their use should always be carefully considered and strictly supervised by a qualified healthcare professional.
For the vast majority of young people, the evidence is clear: lifestyle-based approaches remain the gold standard. Focusing on the foundations is the safest and most effective way to help a teen manage their weight, primarily because of how a young body develops:
Growing bodies need fuel: Adolescence is a high-energy phase. Teens need enough calories and a wide variety of nutrients to support their developing brains, bones, and physical growth.
Building habits for life: This is the best time to learn healthy routines. Skills like cooking, basic meal planning, and finding ways to move that feel good are the building blocks of a healthy adult life, tools that a prescription can't provide.
Protecting mental health: Introducing medication too early can sometimes cause unnecessary anxiety or body image issues. We want teens to feel empowered by their choices, rather than relying on a ‘quick fix’ that might lower their motivation to make lasting changes.
Results that last: Long-term behaviour change is simply more durable. When a teen learns to manage their hunger with high-fibre, high-protein foods and regular sleep, they are setting themselves up for a much healthier future.
Medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists are generally only brought into the conversation when lifestyle strategies alone haven't quite moved the needle, and the teen is facing significant health risks, like obesity, type 2 diabetes, or fatty liver disease. Even in these cases, these interventions must be paired with ongoing lifestyle support to ensure your child stays safe and achieves success that lasts long after the treatment ends.
Remember, weight loss isn’t just about injections. Habits and lifestyle make a huge difference. Read What Should I Eat When I'm Hungry but Trying to Lose Weight? to discover strategies that support healthy, sustainable weight management for teens and adults alike.
Medical experts generally don’t reach for a prescription pad first. Instead, weight loss injections are considered a specific tool for very specific circumstances. Here is when a specialist might suggest they are appropriate for your teen:
If your teen is managing obesity alongside comorbidities or related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, injections may be considered. The goal here is to lower their long-term health risks while we work on safer, sustainable weight management.
We always start with the foundations: a structured diet, regular physical activity, and positive behavioural strategies. However, if these efforts don't quite ‘move the needle’ after a consistent period under medical supervision, injections can be added as a supporting layer to help achieve meaningful results.
Teens dealing with insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome often face a biological battle with appetite and blood sugar control. In these cases, medications that gently tweak appetite can support their metabolic health while those all-important lifestyle changes continue in the background.
This isn't a decision for a quick GP visit. Only a paediatric endocrinologist or a trained specialist should weigh the pros and cons. They are the experts in ensuring a treatment fits your teen’s unique growth patterns, nutritional requirements, and lifestyle needs.
Using these medications isn't a set and forget process. It requires regular check-ins to monitor growth, nutrient intake, and, most importantly, mental well-being. This close supervision helps us catch any issues early and ensures the treatment remains both safe and effective for a developing mind and body.
When considering weight loss injections for a teenager, it is all about weighing the medical necessity against the unique needs of a growing body. Here is a simple breakdown of the pros and cons:
When used correctly under a specialist’s eye, these treatments can offer significant support:
Better appetite control: It helps quiet intense hunger signals and makes it easier for some teens to manage their portions.
Reduced health strain: For teens already struggling with high blood pressure or metabolic issues, losing weight can take a huge amount of pressure off their heart and organs.
Improved blood sugar: It can be a game-changer for those showing early signs of type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.
A motivational boost: Sometimes, seeing a bit of physical progress can give a teen the confidence they need to stick with their healthy eating and exercise routines.
Because teenagers are still ‘under construction’, there are some specific risks to keep in mind:
Impact on growth: Adolescence is a major growth window. If appetite suppression is too strong, it might interfere with the calories needed for healthy bone and tissue development.
Risk of nutrient gaps: Eating significantly less means it is harder to get the essential vitamins and minerals a growing body requires.
Tummy troubles: Side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, or stomach discomfort are quite common and can be a lot for a young person to manage daily.
The ‘quick fix’ trap: There is a risk that a teen might rely on the medicine emotionally, rather than learning the lifelong skills of cooking and moving their body.
Limited long-term data: We have plenty of research on adults, but we still don't fully know the effects of these drugs over several decades when they started in the teen years.
Weight loss injections can certainly play a supportive role for some teens under strict medical supervision, particularly those managing obesity alongside serious health risks. However, they are never a ‘set and forget’ solution. Because of the potential impact on growth, nutrition, and emotional health, the decision to use them must be weighed with a ‘whole-child’ perspective.
Safe, sustainable strategies centred on balanced nutrition, enjoyable activity, and a supportive home environment remain the foundation of healthy teen weight management. When guided by healthcare professionals, these lifestyle-first approaches offer the best chance for long-term health and wellbeing. After all, the goal isn't just a number on the scale; it is giving your teen the tools they need to thrive, with or without the support of medication.
Dr Nick Fuller is the founder of Interval Weight Loss and is a leading obesity expert at the University of Sydney with a Ph.D. in Obesity Treatment. Dr Fuller is also the author of three best-selling books and his work been published in top ranked journals in the medical field, including JAMA, Lancet and American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.