If you are considering medication to help your teen manage obesity, the number of names can be confusing: Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound and Saxenda.

Some contain the same active ingredient. Some are FDA-approved for adolescents, while others may be prescribed off-label when medically appropriate. Most importantly, there is no single medication that is right for every teen.

Here is what parents should know.

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 medications affect hormones involved in appetite, fullness and blood sugar regulation. They can decrease hunger and help patients feel full sooner and longer.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic. Tirzepatide, found in Zepbound and Mounjaro, works on two related hormone pathways, GLP-1 and GIP.

Although the brand names are different, the more important question is which medication is the best fit for your teen.

Which medications are FDA-approved for adolescents?

Currently, two GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved for weight management in adolescents age 12 and older:

  • Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection approved for adolescents age 12 and older with obesity.
  • Saxenda (liraglutide) is a once-daily injection also approved for adolescents age 12 and older with obesity.

You may also hear about:

  • Ozempic (semaglutide) contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy but is FDA-approved under a different indication.
  • Zepbound (tirzepatide) is approved for weight management in adults.
  • Mounjaro (tirzepatide) contains the same active ingredient as Zepbound and is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults.

What does “off-label” mean?

Off-label prescribing simply means that a medication is being used in a way that differs from its specific FDA-approved labeling, for example, for a different age group, condition or dose.

It does not mean that a medication is unsafe or inappropriate. Off-label prescribing is common throughout pediatric medicine, where FDA approvals may lag behind clinical practice and emerging evidence.

Depending on the individual patient, a physician may consider a medication that does not yet have a pediatric indication based on the available research, experience with the medication, expected benefits and risks, and the ability to monitor the patient carefully.

FDA approval provides valuable information, but it is one part of the clinical decision, not the entire decision.

How do we choose the right medication?

There isn’t one GLP-1 medication that is best for every adolescent.

At WellTeenMD, medication selection is individualized. We consider factors such as:

  • your teen’s age and degree of obesity
  • medical history and obesity-related health conditions
  • previous approaches to weight management
  • effectiveness and available evidence
  • possible side effects and contraindications
  • insurance coverage and medication availability
  • your teen’s and family’s goals and preferences

For one patient, Wegovy may be the best choice. For another, a different medication may make more sense. Treatment can also change over time depending on response, side effects and your teen’s evolving needs.

The goal isn’t to choose the most popular medication. It’s to choose the medication that makes the most sense for your teen.

Medication is only part of the plan

Medication can be a powerful tool for treating adolescent obesity, but it is most effective as part of comprehensive care.

At WellTeenMD, medication is combined with physician oversight, nutrition support, lifestyle guidance and ongoing monitoring. We follow patients over time and adjust treatment based on response, side effects, growth, health and individual goals.

What about compounded GLP-1 medications?

Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are also widely advertised online. Compounded medications are different from FDA-approved branded products and require additional consideration regarding their source, formulation and quality.

Families considering compounded medications should discuss the potential benefits and risks with a physician experienced in treating adolescents and young adults.

The bottom line

There are several medications available to help treat obesity, and no single medication is right for everyone. Each has different characteristics, potential benefits and side effects, and the best choice depends on the individual patient.

At WellTeenMD, we don’t start with a brand name. We start with your teen. We look at their health, history, goals and individual needs, then work together to determine which treatment approach makes the most sense.

Medication is one tool within a broader, personalized plan designed to help your teen improve their health and feel supported along the way.