Dante Carrillo
Diet pills and supplements can be dangerous, leading to thousands of emergency room visits each year. A 2015 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a third of these ER visits among girls and women were due to weight-loss supplements. These products are widely available over the counter and are not medically recommended. Diet pills are especially risky for teens, who may mistakenly believe that over-the-counter products sold in pharmacies are safe and effective. Obesity is a common chronic condition during adolescence, and while lifestyle and dietary changes are usually the first step in treatment, weight-loss medications or surgery may be recommended for some older teens. While there are FDA-approved weight-loss drugs for children as young as 12, there are concerns about the unknown long-term effects of starting these medications at such a young age.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are diet pills safe for 15-year-olds? | Diet pills are not safe for 15-year-olds |
| Prevalence of diet pill usage among teens | Thousands of prescriptions of semaglutide, sold under the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic, were written for children ages 12 to 17 in 2023. |
| Potential dangers of diet pills for teens | Dietary supplements can lead to serious health issues, resulting in as many as 23,000 emergency room visits a year, according to a 2015 study. |
| Over-the-counter (OTC) diet pills | OTC diet pills are not medically recommended and can be dangerous, especially for teens who may mistakenly believe they are safe. |
| Recommendations from medical authorities | The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends treating childhood obesity with behavioral and lifestyle modifications first, and medication is suggested for older teens if needed. |
| Surgical options | In severe cases of obesity, healthcare providers may recommend weight-loss surgery for older teens. |
| Stimulant-based diet pills | Phentermine, a stimulant that reduces appetite, is only recommended for teens 16 years old and older due to the risk of serious side effects affecting the heart. |
| Parental involvement | Parents should be involved in the decision-making process and discuss the risks and benefits with healthcare providers to determine the best weight management plan for their teen. |
| Genetic factors | Genetics play a significant role in weight management, and sheer willpower may not be sufficient to address excess weight gain. |
| Psychological factors | Diet pill usage among teens may contribute to an increased risk of eating disorders and promote unhealthy habits. |
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What You'll Learn
Potential dangers of over-the-counter diet pills
Diet pills and weight-loss supplements are often marketed as a quick fix to achieve weight loss or burn body fat faster and easier than any other method. However, these products are not without risks, especially for teenagers. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly opposes the use of supplements for weight loss and muscle building in adolescents. Nevertheless, a national survey found that 11% of teens had used a weight-loss supplement, and 5% had used muscle-building supplements.
Firstly, over-the-counter diet pills are not medically recommended, and their harms are well-documented. They are not prescreened for safety or efficacy by the FDA before entering the market, and dangerous side effects have been reported. For example, some over-the-counter appetite suppressants or weight-loss supplements contain stimulants such as ephedra, ephedrine, or caffeine, which have been linked to heart attacks, seizures, strokes, and even death.
Secondly, diet pills can be abused, especially by people with eating disorders. This can lead to severe health consequences, including acute hepatitis and liver failure, as seen in some cases of OxyELITE Pro use. Diet pills may also interact with other medications, such as cancer treatments, and have been associated with organ toxicity.
Thirdly, the use of dietary supplements for weight loss and muscle building has been linked to liver injury, problems with bile secretion, testicular disorders, the growth of breast tissue, and infertility in younger men. This is because many supplements labelled as containing "pro-hormones," "natural steroids," or "testosterone boosters" actually contain dangerous designer anabolic steroids.
Lastly, the use of diet pills can be indicative of underlying issues with body image and self-esteem, which can result in the abuse of supplements and the development of eating disorders. It is important to address these issues with the support of experts and to approach weight management with caution, prioritizing sustainable lifestyle and dietary changes over quick fixes.
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Prescription weight-loss drugs for teens
Obesity is one of the most common chronic conditions during the teenage years, affecting nearly 1 in 5 kids and teens in the US. In recent years, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has included anti-obesity medications in their recommended guidelines for treating childhood obesity. The AAP advises treating children with obesity as soon as it is identified, with the appropriate intensity based on the child's overall health.
Several prescription weight-loss drugs are approved for use in teens as young as 12 years old. These include:
- Wegovy: This is a once-weekly injection that received FDA approval in December 2022 for use in kids as young as 12. It is a GLP-1 agonist that mimics a natural hormone, slowing digestion in the stomach and increasing insulin release. This leads to reduced food cravings and a feeling of fullness. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Saxenda (liraglutide): This is another daily injection medication in the same class as Wegovy, approved for teens 12 years old and older.
- Orlistat: This drug has been available for many years and is approved for teens 12 and older. It works by blocking fat absorption, causing it to exit the body through waste. While it may not lead to significant weight loss, it can have uncomfortable side effects such as stomach pain, bloating, indigestion, and diarrhea.
- Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate): This is a combination medication that reduces appetite and is approved for teens 16 years and older. While effective, it can lead to congenital malformations if taken during pregnancy and may decrease the effectiveness of contraceptives.
It is important to note that the decision to take weight-loss medication should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering the potential risks and benefits. Lifestyle and dietary changes are usually the first step in treating obesity, and medication may be recommended as an additional measure for older teens. Additionally, weight-loss surgery may be an option in severe cases where lifestyle changes and medication are not sufficient.
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Lifestyle changes and dietary recommendations
Diet pills and weight-loss medication are not recommended for 15-year-olds. In fact, Phentermine, a stimulant that reduces appetite, is only used short-term for teens 16 years old and older due to the risk of serious side effects affecting the heart. The first step in any weight management plan should be lifestyle and dietary changes.
- Eat three meals a day with healthy snacks: Eating regularly is important to maintain energy levels and prevent binging. Include a variety of healthy snacks such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy products like yoghurt.
- Increase fibre intake: Fibre is found in plant foods and helps with regular bowel movements, makes you feel full, and may reduce the risk of heart and kidney diseases.
- Reduce salt and sugar intake: Salt should be limited, especially in those with high blood pressure. Sugar-sweetened foods and drinks provide extra calories without any added nutrients. Fruit juice, for example, can be high in calories, so opt for whole fruit instead.
- Drink water: Water is essential for hydration and doesn't contain any added sugars or calories.
- Choose baked or broiled foods over fried: Baking or broiling are healthier alternatives to frying, which can add extra calories and fats to your meals.
- Exercise and physical activity: Incorporate daily exercise or physical activity into your routine. This can include walking, cycling, swimming, or playing sports.
- Get enough sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. Aim for 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
- Read food labels: Understanding the nutritional content of the food you're eating is important. Look for options lower in saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium.
- Control portion sizes: Portion control can help with weight management. Eating smaller portions of nutrient-dense foods can ensure you're getting enough vitamins and minerals without consuming too many calories.
- Involve your teen in meal preparation: Teaching your teen how to make healthy food choices and involving them in meal preparation can help them develop a positive relationship with food and a better understanding of nutrition.
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Surgery for weight loss
Diet pills and weight-loss medication are not recommended for 15-year-olds. In fact, the National Eating Disorders Association has called them a "Deadly RX for Teens". In the US, the FDA has approved a once-weekly injection called Wegovy for the treatment of obesity in teens aged 12 and older. However, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of any medication.
Weight-loss surgery, also called metabolic and bariatric surgery, is a last resort for individuals struggling with obesity. It is a tool that allows healthy diet and lifestyle changes to lead to sustained weight loss. It is the most successful and effective long-term treatment for class III obesity. Before scheduling surgery, a healthcare provider will evaluate an individual's physical and mental health to ensure they are fit for the procedure.
There are several types of weight-loss surgeries, with the most common being the gastric sleeve or sleeve gastrectomy. This procedure involves removing most of the stomach, leaving only a banana-shaped section. This reduces the amount of food that can be consumed, making an individual feel full sooner. It may also affect hormones or bacteria in the gastrointestinal system that influence appetite and metabolism.
Another type of surgery is the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, or "mixed surgery". This involves two separate procedures. The first is similar to gastric sleeve surgery, while the second divides the small intestine into two tracts. Food moves through one tract, bypassing most of the small intestine, which reduces calorie absorption. The digestive juices flow through the other intestinal tract and mix with food as it enters the colon.
Weight-loss surgery is typically performed laparoscopically, which requires only small cuts under general anaesthesia. This method has fewer risks than open surgery, causes less pain and scarring, and may lead to faster recovery. However, open surgery, which involves a single large cut in the abdomen, may be a better option for individuals with a high level of obesity, previous stomach surgery, or other complex medical problems.
It is important to note that weight-loss surgery is not an easy "quick fix". It requires preparation beforehand and long-term lifestyle changes afterward for successful, sustained weight loss.
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Parental concerns and considerations
As a parent, if your 15-year-old child is considering taking diet pills, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects. Diet pills are not recommended for teens under the age of 16 due to the risk of serious side effects, especially concerning the heart. It is imperative to consult a healthcare provider and discuss the risks and benefits of taking weight-loss medication. They will be able to determine the best weight management plan for your teen, taking into account their specific health and lifestyle.
Before considering medication, it is advisable to try lifestyle and dietary changes as the first step in treating obesity. This includes behavioural modifications such as a healthy diet and adequate exercise. It is important to note that weight-loss drugs are not a cure for obesity and should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes. Even with medication, a healthy diet and exercise are still crucial to maintaining overall health and managing weight.
There are also concerns about the unknown long-term effects of starting weight-loss drugs at a young age. The potential risks may be greater for children with a lifetime of treatment ahead of them. In addition, there is a risk that the use of weight-loss drugs at a young age could contribute to an increase in eating disorders. It is important to carefully consider these risks and ensure that your child is screened for eating disorders before starting any weight-loss medication.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that many weight-loss supplements sold over the counter are not medically recommended and can be dangerous. These products are not prescreened for safety or efficacy before they enter the market, and teens may mistakenly believe that they are safe simply because they are available in pharmacies or grocery stores. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional and obtain a prescription for weight-loss medication rather than opting for over-the-counter products.
Lastly, it is important to be aware of the potential impact on your child's mental health. Weight gain and obesity during adolescence can be complex, influenced by various factors such as genetics, environment, and developmental stages. It is crucial to address any underlying issues and provide support to your child throughout their weight-loss journey. Encouraging a healthy relationship with food and body image is essential, and seeking professional help if needed is always advisable.
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Frequently asked questions
Diet pills are not recommended for 15-year-olds. Diet pills are not medically recommended and can be dangerous, leading to thousands of emergency room visits a year. Phentermine, for example, is only used short-term for teens 16 years old and older due to the risk of serious side effects affecting the heart.
The first step in treating obesity usually involves lifestyle and dietary changes. After that, healthcare providers may recommend weight-loss medication or surgery for some older teens.
The risks of diet pills for teens include the possibility of developing an eating disorder, experiencing unknown long-term effects, and serious side effects affecting the heart.
Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injection approved for teens 12 years old and older. Wegovy, an injection for the treatment of obesity, is also approved for teens 12 years old and older.
A study by Boutelle et al. in 2002 found that 35-57% of adolescent girls engage in crash dieting, fasting, self-induced vomiting, diet pills, or laxatives. Another study by Wertheim et al. in 2009 found that over one-third of non-overweight girls report dieting.
