At Life Pediatric Endocrinology, families from around the world turn to us when traditional weight loss efforts fall short—especially for children and teens struggling with weight, confidence, and metabolic health. As pediatric endocrinologists, we understand that when it comes to using medications like GLP-1s (e.g., Wegovy®, Ozempic®) for children, safety, support, and sustainability are everything.
Yes, these medications can jumpstart weight loss. But if you're a parent considering this path, you deserve to know the full picture:
GLP-1 weight loss in kids isn’t a cure—it’s a tool. Coaching is what makes it work long term.
GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Wegovy and Ozempic) are FDA-approved medications originally developed for type 2 diabetes, now widely prescribed for obesity. They work by suppressing appetite, slowing digestion, and increasing feelings of fullness. Clinical trials have shown that children and adults alike can lose up to 20% of their body weight.
But these medications have downsides, especially for growing bodies:
Muscle loss: Up to 40% of the weight lost can come from muscle mass, not fat (Weiss et al., 2017).
Weight regain risk: Most patients regain lost weight within a year of stopping treatment (Wilding et al., 2022).
High dropout rates: Only 42% of patients stay on the medication after 12 weeks (BCBS, 2024).
Side effects: Nausea, fatigue, constipation, and emotional shifts are common in both kids and adults.
That’s why the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine now recommends a powerful adjunct to GLP-1s: Health and Well-Being Coaching (HWC)—especially when treating youth (Sforzo et al., 2024).
At Life Pediatric Endocrinology, our Confident Body Program (CBP) is built specifically to address the needs of kids and teens using GLP-1s. Led by Crystal McKenzie, a pediatric nurse practitioner and pediatric mental health specialist, CBP goes far beyond medication.
We use coaching to:
Maintain muscle mass through strength-based nutrition and movement
Help kids build confidence as their body changes
Develop healthy habits that stick long after the medication ends
Prevent relapse by building emotional tools and support systems
Guide families through side effects, plateaus, and transitions off medication
The difference? Our program is rooted in pediatric endocrinology, not adult strategies. We don’t guess—we tailor treatment based on labs, growth potential, and long-term health markers unique to each child.
It all begins with a comprehensive two-part endocrine consultation. This includes:
Full review of family and medical history
Customized endocrine and metabolic lab panels
A 360-degree assessment of weight gain drivers (hormonal, behavioral, emotional)
Personalized care planning for GLP-1 use and nutritional strategies
If a family proceeds into our 6-month Confident Body Program, 50% of the consultation fee is credited toward the package.
From there, our team delivers weekly coaching that includes:
Strategic check-ins with Crystal McKenzie
Pediatric-specific dietary adjustments
Safe movement plans to preserve strength and growth
Mindset coaching around body image, stress, and emotional triggers
Continuous coordination with Dr. Kim and our endocrine team
This isn’t one-size-fits-all. This is the art and science of pediatric transformation.
We believe GLP-1s have a place in pediatric care—but they are only one piece of the puzzle. As the latest clinical research confirms, weight regain and medication discontinuation are the norm without behavioral and emotional intervention.
Our coaching transforms those odds. It gives children the chance to grow up strong, confident, and in control of their health—not just for the next 6 months, but for life.
At Life Pediatric Endocrinology, we don’t just prescribe. We partner—with kids, with parents, and with every layer of long-term success.
If you're considering GLP-1 treatment for your child, start with a pediatric endocrine consultation that goes beyond the basics. Together, let’s build a plan that’s safe, personalized, and built to last.
🔗 Visit LIFE Pediatric Confident Body Program
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This article summarizes findings from Sforzo GA, Gordon NF, Peeke PM, Moore M. “Health and Well-Being Coaching Adjuvant to GLP-1 Induced Weight Loss.” American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2024. DOI: 10.1177/15598276241302273. Used here for educational and commentary purposes.