Experts weigh long-term risks, access barriers, and pediatric concerns over obesity drugs.
Nearly 29 million Americans are currently taking GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, transforming obesity and Type 2 diabetes treatment. But as prescriptions continue to rise, medical experts say critical questions remain about how long patients should stay on the drugs, who can access them, and what their long-term effects could be, particularly for children and adolescents.
Weight loss benefits come with long-term uncertainties
Dr. Jena Shaw Tronieri, senior research investigator at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, presented new findings showing that semaglutide continues to reduce calorie intake even after patients report the return of hunger or “food noise.” Her research suggests that while weight loss eventually plateaus, the medication still helps patients maintain lower food consumption over time.
She warned, however, that discontinuing treatment often leads to significant weight regain. Studies show that roughly half of patients stop taking GLP-1 medications within a year, and many regain about two-thirds of the weight they initially lost. According to Tronieri, patients should be counseled that these medications are generally intended for long-term management, similar to treatments for other chronic conditions.
Children and access remain major concerns
While GLP-1 medications have been approved for adolescents with obesity, Dr. Dan Cooper, professor emeritus of pediatrics at UC Irvine, urged caution when prescribing them during childhood and adolescence. He said researchers still do not fully understand how long-term use may affect developing muscles, bones, and brain function during critical stages of growth.
Cooper also argued that medications should never replace comprehensive lifestyle interventions. Expanding physical education programs, improving access to recreational spaces, and promoting healthy habits, particularly in underserved communities, remain essential components of addressing childhood obesity.
Cost keeps treatment out of reach
Harvard Medical School professor Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford emphasized that access, not supply, has become the greatest challenge. Although medication shortages have eased, many patients who would benefit the most still cannot afford treatment, with retail prices often ranging from $900 to $1,300 per month.
She also highlighted persistent racial and socioeconomic disparities in obesity care, arguing that administrative hurdles, insurance restrictions, and uneven Medicaid policies continue to limit access for many low-income communities. While the recently launched Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program lowers costs for eligible beneficiaries, Stanford cautioned that prior authorization requirements and state-level differences could continue to widen existing healthcare inequities.
The panel concluded that GLP-1 medications have fundamentally changed obesity treatment, but experts agreed they are not a standalone solution. Long-term research, equitable access, and sustained lifestyle support will be critical as millions of Americans continue turning to these therapies.