Weight Loss Drugs for Kids: Practical Guide for Parents

We get it—seeing your child struggle with weight can be stressful. While lifestyle changes are the first line, some parents wonder if medication can help. Below is a no‑fluff rundown of the few weight loss drugs that are ever used in kids, how they work, and the safety steps you should follow.

Which Drugs Are Even Considered?

Only a handful of weight‑loss agents have been studied in children. The most common ones you’ll hear about are:

• Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) – blocks fat absorption in the gut. Approved for ages 12 and up in many countries.
• Metformin – originally for diabetes, it can improve insulin sensitivity and modestly reduce weight in teens with insulin resistance.
• Phentermine‑topiramate (Qsymia) – a combo that curbs appetite. Used off‑label in teens but requires close monitoring.
• Liraglutide (Saxenda) – a GLP‑1 agonist that slows stomach emptying. The FDA has a pediatric indication for obesity in ages 12‑17.

Most other adult‑only meds (like orlistat’s higher‑dose version or newer drugs) are not approved for kids, and using them without supervision can be risky.

How to Choose the Right Option

Start with a pediatrician or an obesity specialist. They’ll look at your child’s age, growth curve, health conditions, and lab results. If the doctor says medication might help, they’ll pick the drug with the best safety profile for your child’s situation.

Key factors they’ll weigh:

• Age – Most drugs need a minimum age of 12; younger kids usually stick to diet and activity plans.
• Underlying health issues – Diabetes, liver disease, or seizures can rule out certain meds.
• Current meds – Interactions matter. For example, orlistat can affect the absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins.

Never start a drug on your own. A prescription ensures the correct dose and follow‑up schedule.

Dosage Basics You Should Know

Dosage is usually weight‑based. For orlistat, the typical pediatric dose is 120 mg three times daily with meals that contain fat. Metformin often starts at 500 mg once a day and can be increased slowly. Liraglutide begins with a tiny daily injection (0.6 mg) and ramps up weekly.

Always give the medication with food (or as directed) and keep a log of the exact amount you give. Small mistakes add up, and kids can be sensitive to dose changes.

Side Effects to Watch

Every drug has a trade‑off. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Orlistat – oily or oily‑spotty stools, gas, possible vitamin deficiency. A daily multivitamin can help.
• Metformin – stomach upset, nausea, rarely low blood sugar if combined with other meds.
• Phentermine‑topiramate – dry mouth, insomnia, increased heart rate, mood changes. Needs blood pressure checks.
• Liraglutide – nausea, vomiting, occasional pancreatitis signs. Watch for severe belly pain.

If you see anything out of the ordinary—persistent vomiting, rapid heart beat, or mood swings—call the doctor right away.

Monitoring and Follow‑Up

Weight loss drugs are not a set‑and‑forget solution. Your doctor will want to see you every 4‑6 weeks at first. They’ll check growth charts, lab work (like liver enzymes for orlistat or glucose for metformin), and any side‑effect reports.

Goal‑setting matters too. Most guidelines aim for a 5‑10 % reduction in body weight over six months, paired with healthier eating habits and more activity.

When the drug achieves the target and the child is stable, the doctor may taper off the medication, keeping the lifestyle changes in place.

Bottom line: weight‑loss drugs can be helpful, but only under professional guidance. Talk to your pediatrician, follow dosing instructions to the letter, and keep a close eye on side effects. With the right combo of medicine, nutrition, and movement, you’ll give your child the best chance at a healthier future.