Should Weight Loss Drugs Be Accessible to Teens?
A controversial debate is brewing in New Zealand's healthcare system. A leading pediatric endocrinologist is advocating for the funding of a weight loss medication, Wegovy, for teenagers struggling with obesity. This proposal has sparked discussions about the ethics and practicality of prescribing such drugs to minors.
The drug, semaglutide, has been available since July last year and costs approximately $460 per month. An advisory panel to Pharmac, New Zealand's drug funding agency, has provisionally recommended funding Wegovy for chronic weight management in individuals with high BMIs and related health conditions. This recommendation is subject to Special Authority criteria, which will determine who can prescribe the medication.
But here's where it gets controversial: Professor Wayne Cutfield argues that funding Wegovy for teens could prevent severe health issues. He highlights the alarming rate of weight gain in severely obese teenagers, leading to even more critical obesity-related complications by the time they reach adulthood. Cutfield believes that denying funding for these teens is akin to ignoring a growing health crisis.
However, there's a catch. Real-world follow-ups of Wegovy patients reveal that weight regain can occur rapidly after discontinuing the drug. This side effect underscores the importance of lifestyle changes to sustain weight loss. Professor Cutfield emphasizes that without lifestyle modifications, patients may need to stay on the medication for life.
And this is the part most people miss: Currently, very obese teenagers are not eligible for bariatric surgery, leaving them with limited options. Professor Cutfield argues that funding Wegovy for this demographic could provide a much-needed intervention, potentially saving the healthcare system significant costs associated with treating severe obesity-related diseases.
Pharmac's decision is expected to be released in March 2026, and it will clarify whether teenagers will be eligible for the drug. Dr. David Hughes, Pharmac's director, stated that age is not usually a deciding factor in funding decisions unless there is a strong clinical reason. The debate continues as New Zealand grapples with the third-highest adult obesity rate among OECD countries.
