The American Academy of Pediatrics opposes the use of weight loss pills for teens and adolescents without a doctor’s prescription. Hence, teens should not use weight loss pills that can be purchased over the counter or online. Weight loss pills or medicines may help resolve health issues caused by being overweight or obese. However, it is essential to understand that weight loss pills cannot replace a healthy diet or physical activity but may work as an adjunctive therapy (1) (2). Read this post to learn about the types, usage, risks, and precautions for teen weight loss pills.
Do Weight Loss Pills Work On Teens?
Prescription weight loss medications may work in cases where lifestyle changes alone are insufficient or ineffective for optimum weight management. Doctors may usually prescribe these medications to those who:
Are overweight and have additional health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes Have a genetic condition that causes obesity
Weight loss pills are prescribed in conjunction with other lifestyle-related interventions, such as dietary changes and adequate exercise. The doctor may prescribe other medicines, too, depending on the underlying cause of obesity or overweight. Non-prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) products, such as appetite suppressants and water-loss pills, are not recommended. These have no proven benefits and may cause serious adverse effects (1) (3).
What Are The FDA-Approved Weight Loss Pills?
The US Food and Drug Administration FDA has warned against miracle weight loss products available without a prescription (4). However, a few FDA-approved weight loss medications are available on prescription (5). A drug named Liraglutide has been recently approved for chronic weight management among adolescents aged 12 years and older, but it is available as a shot and not as a pill.
What Are The Side Effects Of Weight Loss Pills In Teens?
The approved weight loss medications may have the following side effects (1). Orlistat
Abdominal pain Gas Diarrhea Leakage of oily stools
Phentermine
Constipation Dry mouth Dizziness Taste changes Sleep problems
Weight loss pills available in stores or online may contain a mixture of herbs, chemicals, and other undisclosed ingredients. FDA has found weight loss supplements tainted with controlled prescription drugs, such as sibutramine (appetite suppressant that has been withdrawn due to heart issues), fluoxetine (antidepressant), and triamterene (diuretic). Many of these products are available under the name of natural dietary supplements for weight management and may have adverse effects such as (1):
Heart problems Increased blood pressure Palpitations Stroke Seizure Liver failure
What Precautions Should Teens Take?
The following precautions should be kept in mind by teens and their parents before and during the use of teen weight loss pills (5).
How Are Teens Screened For Obesity?
Teens are screened for overweight and obesity through the measurement of body mass index (BMI), which is a person’s body weight (kilograms) divided by the square of their height (meters). BMI interpretation for children and teens differs from those of adults. The doctor may take into consideration the teen’s height, weight, and gender before plotting their BMI on a chart, which indicates various percentiles. These percentiles are calculated from the CDC growth charts based on national survey data (6). You may read more about teenage obesity here.
