Brenda Khan
Diet pills and weight-loss products are a controversial topic, with many experts advocating for stronger regulations to ban their sale to people under the age of 18. In October 2023, New York State implemented a law prohibiting the sale of over-the-counter diet pills and supplements to minors, addressing concerns about potential health risks and unregulated ingredients. This law is a response to the growing trend of teenagers turning to weight-loss drugs, with thousands of prescriptions written for adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2023. While some teens have achieved significant weight loss with medical supervision, others have resorted to buying over-the-counter pills without a prescription, raising concerns about unsafe ingredients and potential side effects. The discussion surrounding diet pills for minors highlights the complex interplay between individual health, body image, and the influence of marketing and social media trends.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet pills sold over the counter | Banned for sale to under 18s in New York state |
| Diet pills with a prescription | Approved for 12- to 18-year-olds in the US |
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What You'll Learn
- Diet pills and supplements are underregulated and may contain harmful ingredients
- The American Academy of Pediatrics urges children to stop using diet pills
- Doctors can prescribe weight-loss medication to teens when diet and exercise are not enough
- Weight-loss drugs can have unpleasant side effects
- Diet pills are often marketed to kids who are insecure about their appearance
Diet pills and supplements are underregulated and may contain harmful ingredients
Diet pills and supplements are easily accessible and often purchased without proper consultation. A global study found that nearly one in ten adolescents have used medically unapproved weight-loss products, including diet pills, laxatives, and diuretics. This is a growing concern, as these products can have serious side effects and may contain harmful ingredients.
The issue is exacerbated by the fact that diet pills and supplements are underreregulated. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have the authority to approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Instead, only when a supplement is shown to cause significant harm or adverse effects is it deemed unsafe and recalled. This reactive approach means that potentially dangerous products can be widely available until issues are identified, often too late for consumers.
Many diet pills and supplements contain undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients, stimulants, or other harmful substances. For example, ephedra, a weight-loss supplement, was banned by the FDA due to cardiovascular complications. Hydroxycut was linked to liver failure and reported deaths, while Meridia (sibutramine) was associated with strokes and heart attacks. These examples highlight the potential dangers of unregulated diet pills and supplements, which can have severe consequences for consumers, especially those with underlying health or mental health conditions.
Furthermore, the marketing and labeling of diet pills and supplements can be misleading. Manufacturers often make bold claims about their products' effectiveness, which are rarely supported by rigorous clinical studies. Terms like "natural" may be used to imply safety, even though natural ingredients can also be harmful when consumed in high amounts, over extended periods, or in combination with certain drugs or medical conditions. The lack of regulation in this area allows these companies to make unsubstantiated claims and profit from vulnerable consumers seeking weight loss solutions.
To address these concerns, stronger regulations are needed to control the sale and marketing of diet pills and supplements. Experts advocate for banning the sale of these products to minors, as adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the influence of influencers and peers promoting weight-loss products on social media. Additionally, individuals considering the use of diet pills or supplements should consult a healthcare professional to assess their safety and suitability, ensuring that they do not substitute proper medical advice and a healthy diet.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics urges children to stop using diet pills
In January 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated guidelines recommending that children struggling with obesity be offered intensive treatment options, including medications for those as young as 12 years old. This shift to a more aggressive stance comes as obesity rates among children continue to rise, with about one in five kids in the United States affected. Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that can lead to serious short- and long-term health issues, including an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and obesity in adulthood.
The AAP's guidelines focus on the treatment of obesity rather than prevention, and they emphasize that weight-loss medications should be an addition to fundamental efforts such as lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise. Doctors should offer adolescents aged 12 and older with obesity access to appropriate drugs, and teens aged 13 and older with severe obesity should be referred for weight-loss surgery. The guidelines also acknowledge that obesity is a biological problem influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, rather than solely a result of personal failure or lack of diligence.
However, the recommendation of weight-loss drugs for children has sparked concerns among experts. While some pediatricians support the use of medications, others urge a sharp focus on addressing the underlying causes of obesity, particularly diet and ultra-processed foods high in sugar and low in fiber. Additionally, there are calls for more research on the drug's efficacy and potential long-term effects before widespread prescription. Furthermore, weight-loss products being sold to minors without a prescription is a concerning issue, with nearly one in 10 adolescents having used medically unapproved weight-loss products, according to a global study.
Given the potential risks and the complexity of obesity, the American Academy of Pediatrics urges children to refrain from using diet pills without proper medical supervision and to prioritize healthy lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. It is crucial for adolescents concerned about their weight to consult with their healthcare providers to receive individualized evaluations and appropriate treatment plans. This comprehensive approach ensures that the root causes of obesity are addressed while also providing necessary support for weight management.
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Doctors can prescribe weight-loss medication to teens when diet and exercise are not enough
In recent years, the use of weight-loss medication for adolescents has sparked debate among experts, with some arguing for stronger regulations banning the sale of such products to minors. Indeed, the prevalence of adolescents using diet pills and laxatives without a prescription is concerning, as highlighted in a global study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
However, doctors can and do prescribe weight-loss medication to teens in certain circumstances. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), for instance, recommends that pediatricians offer weight-loss drugs to adolescents aged 12 and older who are obese, in conjunction with diet and lifestyle changes. This marks the first time that anti-obesity medications have been included in the AAP's guidelines for treating childhood obesity.
It is important to note that these medications are intended for teens with weight-related health issues and not for those simply seeking to lose a few pounds. Doctors may recommend weight-loss medicines for teens who are unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Several medications have been approved for adolescent use, including Orlistat, Phenteremine/Topiramate, Liraglutide, and Semaglutide. These medications work by reducing cravings, suppressing appetite, or blocking fat absorption, but they can also have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
While these medications can aid in weight loss, they are not a quick fix. Experts advise that they are typically intended for long-term use, and discontinuing the medication may result in weight regain. Furthermore, the long-term effects of these medications on adolescents are still unknown, and concerns have been raised about their potential impact on young people. As such, it is crucial for teens and their parents to consult with healthcare professionals and provide a complete medical history before starting any weight-loss medication.
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Weight-loss drugs can have unpleasant side effects
In many places, weight-loss products are not sold to people under the age of 18. For example, New York State banned the sale of weight-loss products to those under 18 in October 2023. Similarly, a global study found that nearly one in 10 adolescents had used a medically unapproved weight-loss product, and experts warn against the sale of such products to minors.
The side effects of specific drugs include:
- Phentermine: headache, overstimulation, high blood pressure, insomnia, rapid or irregular heart rate, and tremors. It is not suitable for those with hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or heart disease, or who have had a stroke.
- Semaglutide: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, feeling bloated, heartburn, belching or gas, and pancreatitis.
- Liraglutide: similar side effects to semaglutide.
- Wegovy: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
It is important to note that these drugs are typically prescribed to those with a high body mass index (BMI) and may be beneficial for those with obesity or related comorbidities. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential side effects and to maintain healthy habits, such as a balanced diet and exercise, while taking these medications.
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Diet pills are often marketed to kids who are insecure about their appearance
Diet pills and weight-loss products are often marketed to children and adolescents who are insecure about their appearance. A global study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that nearly one in ten adolescents had used medically unapproved weight-loss products, including diet pills, laxatives, and diuretics. This is supported by the experiences of individuals like Rhea Werner, who witnessed her friends buying over-the-counter diet pills, and Lexi Crouch, who started buying weight-loss products at the age of 14.
Experts and health professionals have raised concerns about the potential dangers of these products for young people. Bryn Austin, a Harvard professor and director of the eating disorder prevention group STRIPED, emphasized the lack of regulation and potential health risks associated with dietary pills and supplements. The American Academy of Pediatrics has urged clinicians to discourage children from using these products, citing their potential harm. Dr Fiona Willer, a dietitian and lecturer, highlighted the overlap between weight-loss product use and severe eating disorder behaviors.
In recognition of these concerns, some regions have implemented laws banning the sale of diet pills and supplements to minors. For example, New York State passed legislation prohibiting the sale of these products to individuals under 18 years of age. This law includes age-verification guidelines for retailers and delivery sellers to ensure compliance. However, as Prof Clare Collins of the University of Newcastle points out, the true extent of young people's usage may be higher than reported, as the data in the studies was self-reported.
Despite the potential risks and ethical concerns, there is also a growing trend of teenagers turning to weight-loss medications. This is often done with the support of parents and medical professionals. For example, Demi Buckley, a 16-year-old from Michigan, started taking Wegovy in March 2023 after struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise. Her doctor believed that the medication could help her manage her weight and chronic blood clots in her legs. Similarly, Brenden Gallagher, a 15-year-old from Los Angeles, was prescribed Mounjaro off-label and experienced improvements in his weight, confidence, and mood.
The decision to prescribe weight-loss drugs to teenagers is not taken lightly and is often considered a last resort. Behavioral and lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, are typically recommended as the first line of treatment. However, in cases where these approaches are insufficient, pediatricians may now prescribe medication, particularly in light of rising obesity rates among children and teens. This shift in approach is reflected in the updated guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which includes anti-obesity medications in its recommendations for treating obesity in individuals as young as 12.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, in the state of New York, there is a law that bans the sale of over-the-counter diet pills or supplements to anyone under the age of 18.
Diet pills and supplements are under-regulated and can have harmful health effects on children. They may contain steroids, experimental or banned stimulants, and other dangerous chemicals. Experts have found links between the use of these products and severe eating disorder behaviour.
Behavioural and lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise are considered the first line of treatment for children and teens. In cases where these methods are insufficient, pediatricians can now prescribe anti-obesity medication.
