A recent study published in *Childhood Obesity* on September 17, 2026, has found that about one in six children taking glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) develops nutritional deficiencies within the first year of treatment. The research analyzed data from 2,031 participants in the United States, aged 10 to 17, all of whom had no prior history of nutritional deficiency.

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Of these participants, nearly two-thirds (62.6%, or 1,271) had obesity, while more than two-thirds (67.2%, or 1,365) were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A small number (5.1%, or 104) had prediabetes, and over a quarter (27.7%, or 563) had no documented diabetes diagnosis. The average age of the participants was 15, and about 61.5% (1,249) were female. Liraglutide was the most frequently prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonist, accounting for 78.6% of cases, followed by dulaglutide (10.4%) and semaglutide (9.1%).

The study found that within 180 days of starting GLP-1 treatment, 10.2% (207 patients) were diagnosed with at least one nutritional deficiency. This figure rose to 16.8% (341 patients) after one year. The most common deficiency observed was vitamin D deficiency, affecting 12.4% (252 patients) after 365 days. Nutritional anemia was noted as a related complication in a small number of patients (1.55%, or 31).

The authors highlighted the importance of proactive nutritional management, especially considering the nutritional demands of children and adolescents, advocating for measures that could enhance treatment safety and support long-term health outcomes. The study noted that less than a quarter (23.3%, or 473 patients) received nutrition therapy or counseling within 180 days of starting treatment.

Study author Justin Ryder, vice chair of research at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, emphasized the need to understand the risks associated with GLP-1 use during periods of rapid growth.

Sukhi Basra, vice chair of the National Pharmacy Association, pointed out that in the UK, liraglutide is the only licensed GLP-1 for adolescents aged 12 to 17 with a BMI over 30 or a weight exceeding 60 kg, and only within a specialist pediatric weight management program. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are not authorized for individuals under 18.

Basra stressed the importance of integrated dietetic care in specialized pediatric services to ensure effective treatment that also safeguards growth and development. She noted that the study serves as a reminder of the necessary structure in managing these cases, as demand for GLP-1s continues to rise.