The Hidden Mental Health Crisis: How GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Are Reshaping Childhood in Suffolk County
In the quiet suburban neighborhoods of Suffolk County, a new kind of conversation is happening around family dinner tables. Parents are grappling with a question that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago: should their child take a weight loss medication that requires daily injections? Prescriptions to young people for two GLP-1 medications — semaglutide and liraglutide (Saxenda) — jumped 700% between 2022 and 2024, creating an unprecedented situation for families and healthcare providers alike.
The rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda has revolutionized adult weight management, but their rapid adoption in pediatric populations is raising complex questions about mental health, family dynamics, and the long-term psychological impact on developing minds. With the relatively newfound public interest and evolving understanding of potential benefits, 82% of the parents we surveyed were unopposed to using GLP-1s for their children, yet the psychological implications remain largely unexplored.
The New Reality for Suffolk County Families
Suffolk County families are finding themselves at the center of a medical revolution that extends far beyond physical health. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two GLP-1 agonists — both marketed by Novo Nordisk — for use in adolescents aged 12 years or older: Wegovy (semaglutide) in December 2022 and Saxenda (liraglutide) in December 2020. However, the psychological preparation for families considering these treatments is often inadequate.
The decision to start a child on GLP-1 medications involves more than medical considerations. It requires addressing body image concerns, managing expectations, and preparing for potential social stigma. With the increase in social media, young people are already exposed to a diet culture and body images which may not be attainable and, ultimately, unhealthy, making the introduction of weight loss medications particularly complex from a mental health perspective.
The Mental Health Implications Nobody’s Talking About
While the physical effects of GLP-1 medications in children are being studied, the psychological impact on young minds is less understood. Research should also further explore the psychological impact of weight-loss treatment, including the risk of eating disorders, say those involved. “There just isn’t much evidence suggesting that bariatric surgery in adolescence increases eating disorders,” says Margaret Zeller, PhD, a pediatric psychologist and researcher at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. But GLP-1 treatment for obesity is far less clear. “We don’t have that track record in teens — or really even adults — yet.”
The psychological burden extends beyond the child to the entire family system. Parents report feeling overwhelmed by the decision-making process, worried about long-term consequences, and uncertain about how to support their child through treatment. Pediatric obesity specialists said more parents are asking if a GLP-1 agonist might be appropriate for their children this year than in 2022. Sweeney said parents ask for the medications when they feel they have exhausted all other options for their children.
The Suffolk County Advantage: Comprehensive Mental Health Support
Families in Suffolk County are fortunate to have access to comprehensive mental health services that can address the complex psychological aspects of pediatric weight management. The integration of mental health support with medical treatment is crucial for children beginning GLP-1 therapy. This is where specialized Child Therapy Services Suffolk County become invaluable, providing the psychological support that children and families need during this challenging time.
The therapeutic process involves helping children understand their treatment, managing anxiety around injections, addressing body image concerns, and developing healthy coping mechanisms. Mental health professionals in Suffolk County are increasingly called upon to provide family therapy that addresses the dynamics created when a child begins medical weight management.
Preparing Families for the Journey Ahead
The decision to pursue GLP-1 therapy for a child should never be made in isolation. Caregivers should be aware of the medications’ side effects, simultaneously work on maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise, and understand that obesity is a progressive chronic condition. This holistic approach requires mental health support to address the emotional and psychological aspects of treatment.
Families need to be prepared for the long-term nature of treatment. You’re talking about a child 7 years of age. If you get them into the normal range or desirable range for BMI, one can expect that child on average to live another 70, 80 years to be on a GLP-1 or similar medication for that length of time. This reality requires ongoing psychological support to help children and families adapt to a lifetime of medical management.
The Role of Mental Health Professionals
Mental health professionals in Suffolk County are adapting their practices to address the unique challenges presented by pediatric GLP-1 therapy. This includes helping families navigate insurance challenges, managing expectations, and addressing the social implications of treatment. Insurance coverage for children — even for FDA-approved indications and the age 12-and-over population — has become increasingly difficult, said the pediatric obesity specialists. Insurers are also creating hurdles that make getting coverage more difficult, they said. Some insurers track an adolescent’s weight trajectory, “and if they’re not meeting a certain response threshold set by the insurance company, then they can pull coverage and then we have to try to advocate for why continued coverage might be beneficial and necessary,” Raatz said.
The stress of navigating healthcare systems, managing side effects, and dealing with social pressures requires comprehensive mental health support. Therapists are developing specialized approaches to help children and families cope with the unique challenges of GLP-1 therapy, including managing injection anxiety, addressing body image concerns, and maintaining healthy family dynamics.
Looking Forward: Building Resilience in Suffolk County Families
As GLP-1 medications become more common in pediatric treatment, Suffolk County families need access to mental health professionals who understand the complexity of these treatments. The goal is not just weight management but supporting the overall psychological well-being of children and families navigating this new medical landscape.
The integration of mental health support with medical treatment represents a more holistic approach to pediatric obesity management. By addressing the psychological aspects of treatment from the beginning, families can better prepare for the challenges ahead and build resilience for long-term success.
The conversation around GLP-1 medications in children is just beginning, but one thing is clear: the mental health implications are as important as the physical ones. Suffolk County families embarking on this journey need comprehensive support that addresses not just the medical aspects of treatment but the psychological and social challenges that come with it. With proper mental health support, families can navigate this new reality while maintaining their emotional well-being and family connections.