The Story The children taking Wegovy
Oct 31, 2025
Roisin Kelly, commissioning editor at The Sunday Times, dives into the controversial prescribing of Wegovy to teenagers, driven by rising obesity and parental desperation. She shares compelling stories, like 'Emma's,' illustrating how bullying and previous failed interventions lead families to seek medical help. Roisin also discusses the potential long-term impacts, the importance of evidence-based guidance, and the challenges of forming healthy relationships with food. With the clinic treating around 70 teens, she raises questions about the future of weight-loss drugs and their societal implications.
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Mother Hides Snacks As Son’s Eating Spirals
- Emma described hiding snacks at home as her son developed compulsive eating and meltdowns over missing crisps.
- By 15 he reached 18 stone and stopped attending school due to bullying and low confidence.
Trials Support Use But Long-Term Data Lacking
- Wegovy contains semaglutide and was trialed in the StepTeens study showing effectiveness and expected side effects.
- The NHS is trialing Wegovy for 12–17s and 6–12s, indicating growing institutional interest despite limited long-term data.
Small Clinic Responds To Desperate Parents
- Dr Cindy Newman’s private Preston clinic began prescribing Wegovy after a distraught parent begged for help for a morbidly obese child.
- The clinic now treats about 70 teenagers and receives roughly 10 new inquiries weekly.