UAE parents are showing greater interest in GLP-1 therapies for managing children’s weight, as these medications gain attention and discussions around childhood obesity treatment become more common.
Growing Number of UAE Parents Turn to GLP-1 Weight-Loss Treatments for Children Amid Rising Demand.
After losing 40kg, a teenager describes his journey from being chosen last for sports teams to gaining confidence as a first choice, but experts caution against viewing injections as an instant remedy.
UAE Doctors Urge Caution as Parents Explore GLP-1 Weight Management Medicines for Children
The growing popularity of weight-loss injections has led to increasing numbers of parents in the UAE seeking medical advice about whether these treatments could be appropriate for their children. As conversations around GLP-1 medications become more common through social media platforms, online discussions and news reports, many families are looking at these medicines as a possible solution for childhood weight concerns.
However, healthcare professionals caution that these medications are not suitable for every child and should only be considered after a thorough medical evaluation. Specialists stress that GLP-1 treatments are not designed to provide a quick or effortless way to lose weight and should never replace healthy lifestyle habits, including balanced nutrition, regular exercise and long-term behavioural changes.
Doctors explain that childhood obesity is a complex health issue influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, eating patterns, physical activity levels, metabolism and existing medical conditions. While GLP-1 medicines have shown promising results for some patients, they are prescription treatments that require careful monitoring and should only be used when a child meets specific medical criteria.
Dr Reham Ghanim, Paediatric Endocrinologist at Metabolic, said interest in GLP-1 medications among parents has increased significantly as these treatments have received widespread attention. She explained that many families are now approaching clinics to ask whether these medicines could help their children manage weight.
“People are discussing these medications widely on social media and in the media,” Dr Ghanim said, adding that healthcare providers are receiving more enquiries from parents who want to understand whether GLP-1 therapies are suitable for younger patients.
According to Dr Ghanim, one of the main challenges doctors face is correcting misunderstandings about how these medicines work. Some parents assume that if a medication has received approval for use in children, it can automatically be used as a simple weight-loss solution. Experts say this belief can create unrealistic expectations and overlook the importance of proper medical assessment.
She explained that some families view these injections in the same way they might approach common medicines used for temporary problems, expecting fast results without recognising the complexity involved in treating obesity. Unlike short-term medications used for simple illnesses, GLP-1 therapies are advanced medical treatments that require professional supervision and ongoing commitment.
Dr Ghanim highlighted that not all GLP-1 medications have the same purpose or approval status. Different drugs within this category are authorised for different conditions, age groups and medical situations, meaning they cannot be used interchangeably.
For example, Wegovy, which contains semaglutide, has approval for managing obesity in adolescents aged 12 years and above when specific medical requirements are met. Meanwhile, Mounjaro, which contains tirzepatide, is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in children aged 10 years and older, but not specifically as a weight-loss medication for this age group.
Doctors emphasise that understanding these distinctions is essential because using a medication outside its approved purpose without appropriate medical guidance may carry unnecessary risks. A child’s age, overall health, weight status and existing medical conditions must all be considered before any treatment decision is made.
Specialists say GLP-1 medications are generally considered only after lifestyle approaches have been introduced and when additional medical support is needed. These treatments are not intended to replace healthy habits but may be used alongside lifestyle improvements for children facing significant obesity-related health concerns.
Dr Ghanim explained that doctors typically evaluate whether a child has obesity-related complications before considering medication. These may include insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, abnormal cholesterol levels or other health problems associated with excess weight.
In such cases, GLP-1 medications may become part of a broader treatment plan designed to improve health outcomes and reduce future risks. However, the decision to prescribe these medicines involves careful assessment, regular monitoring and discussions between doctors, children and their families.
The specialist described GLP-1 therapies as important developments in obesity management, acknowledging that they have provided new possibilities for patients who previously struggled to achieve sufficient results through lifestyle changes alone. However, she stressed that their effectiveness depends on responsible use and realistic expectations.
“These are significant medical advances, but they are not miracle solutions,” she explained. Parents must understand that medication alone cannot address all aspects of weight management. Long-term success requires continued attention to healthy eating patterns, physical activity, emotional wellbeing and regular medical follow-up.
Doctors say another concern is that some parents may focus only on weight reduction rather than overall health. In children and teenagers, weight management requires a balanced approach that considers growth, development, mental health and quality of life.
Healthcare professionals warn that placing too much emphasis on rapid weight loss can negatively affect young people’s relationship with food and body image. Treatment plans should focus on improving health outcomes rather than creating pressure to achieve unrealistic body standards.
Experts also highlight the importance of involving children and teenagers in conversations about their health in an age-appropriate and supportive manner. Building healthy habits early can help young people maintain better physical and emotional health as they grow older.
Doctors recommend that parents who are concerned about their child’s weight seek advice from qualified healthcare professionals rather than relying on information found online. Social media discussions may increase awareness, but they often do not provide the personalised medical context needed for safe decision-making.
A specialist assessment can help determine whether a child has a medical need for treatment, identify possible underlying causes of weight gain and create an appropriate management plan. This approach ensures that any medication use is based on evidence, safety considerations and the child’s individual needs.
Medical experts also remind families that sustainable weight management is usually a gradual process. Healthy eating habits, regular movement and lifestyle adjustments remain the foundation of treatment, whether or not medication is considered.
As interest in GLP-1 medicines continues to grow across the UAE, doctors expect more families will seek guidance about their potential benefits and limitations. Specialists say increased awareness can be positive when it encourages families to seek professional support, but it becomes problematic when these treatments are viewed as simple shortcuts.
The message from healthcare professionals is that GLP-1 medications can be valuable tools for carefully selected patients, but they must be used responsibly and under medical supervision. With the right approach, these treatments may support children facing serious obesity-related health challenges, but they are only one part of a wider commitment to lifelong healthy habits.
Teenager Shares Weight-Loss Journey After Combining Medical Treatment With Lifestyle Changes
For 14-year-old Bera Ayaz, his decision to seek medical support for weight management came after reaching a point where everyday activities had become increasingly difficult. Before beginning treatment with Wegovy in May 2025, he was dealing with several health challenges, including excessive food intake, significant insulin resistance and frequent digestive discomfort.
Bera said he realised that he needed to make a change when ordinary physical activities started becoming difficult. One of the moments that made him recognise the seriousness of his situation was struggling to complete a simple flight of stairs without feeling exhausted.
“I knew something had to change when even climbing one set of stairs left me feeling tired,” he said. “There were many situations where I would become short of breath even though I should have been able to manage them easily.”
Although he remained active and continued participating in sports such as football and basketball, Bera explained that his weight affected his confidence, physical ability and social experiences. He said that while he had strong support from his close friends, he often felt overlooked or judged by some people his own age because of his size.
The teenager described how weight-related challenges affected his daily life beyond health concerns. Activities that many young people take for granted, including shopping for clothes, participating in sports and feeling comfortable in social situations, became more difficult. Over time, these experiences affected the way he viewed himself and interacted with others.
However, Bera said his transformation was not the result of medication alone. He emphasised that starting Wegovy was only one part of a much larger commitment to improving his overall health. The treatment worked alongside significant changes in his eating habits, exercise routine and daily lifestyle.
After beginning the medication in May 2025, Bera said the most noticeable progress came when he combined it with a structured diet plan and regular physical activity. Later that year, he increased his focus on exercise by joining the gym and becoming more consistent with his training.
Through a combination of medical guidance, controlled nutrition and increased activity levels, Bera lost 40 kilograms. His weight reduced from 94kg to 54kg, marking a major change not only in his physical health but also in his confidence and quality of life.
He said the transformation changed many aspects of his everyday experience. Simple activities became easier, and he felt more comfortable taking part in sports and social events. He also noticed a change in how others responded to him.
“The biggest change was not only physical but also how people interacted with me,” Bera said. “Things like finding clothes that fit properly became easier, and overall I felt more comfortable taking part in sports and everyday activities.”
One of the most meaningful changes for him was his experience in team sports. Bera said he went from often being selected among the last players when teams were formed to becoming one of the first choices. For him, this represented more than just a change in athletic ability — it reflected a boost in confidence and acceptance among his peers.
He explained that improved fitness allowed him to participate more actively and perform better during sporting activities. The experience helped him regain confidence and feel more included in activities that had previously been challenging.
Bera also said his relationships with classmates changed over time. Some people who had previously treated him negatively or made comments about his weight later developed better relationships with him and became friends.
He believes the journey helped him understand the importance of focusing on health rather than only appearance. While losing weight changed the way others viewed him, he said the most important improvement was feeling stronger, healthier and more capable.
Medical professionals say Bera’s experience highlights an important point about weight management: medication alone is not a replacement for healthy habits. Specialists emphasise that treatments such as GLP-1 medications are most effective when combined with long-term lifestyle changes, including nutritious eating patterns and regular exercise.
Bera’s story also reflects the emotional side of weight challenges among young people. Experts note that children and teenagers dealing with obesity often face difficulties that extend beyond physical health, including reduced confidence, social pressure and concerns about self-image.
Doctors encourage families to approach weight management with support, understanding and professional guidance. They say young people benefit most when treatment plans address both medical needs and emotional wellbeing.
For Bera, the journey has been about much more than reaching a specific number on the scale. It has been about gaining confidence, improving his health and being able to participate more fully in activities he enjoys.
He hopes his experience can encourage others facing similar struggles to seek support and understand that meaningful change requires patience, commitment and a combination of different approaches.
His story also reinforces the message from healthcare specialists that weight-loss treatments should be viewed as part of a broader health plan rather than a quick solution. Sustainable improvements come from combining appropriate medical care with healthier daily choices.
Today, Bera describes himself as more active, confident and comfortable in his own life. The changes he has made have allowed him to enjoy sports more fully, participate with greater confidence and experience a renewed sense of wellbeing.
Managing the Challenges of GLP-1 Treatment: The Importance of Long-Term Health Changes
While the results of his weight-loss journey have been significant, Bera Ayaz said his experience with medical treatment was not without difficulties. The 14-year-old explained that although Wegovy helped support his progress, adapting to the medication brought some challenges along the way.
For the most part, Bera said the treatment process was manageable, but he experienced difficult side effects when his dosage was increased. During one stage of treatment, he developed severe stomach discomfort, along with episodes of vomiting and diarrhoea. The symptoms affected his daily routine and made that period particularly challenging.
He said the experience reminded him that weight-loss medications are powerful treatments that can affect the body in different ways. Adjusting to changes in dosage requires patience, monitoring and communication with healthcare providers to ensure the treatment remains safe and appropriate.
Beyond the physical effects, Bera also spoke about the emotional challenges he faced during his transformation. Despite losing a significant amount of weight, he said he sometimes struggled to recognise the changes in his own body. This experience, known as body dysmorphia, affected the way he perceived himself even as people around him noticed his progress.
He explained that adapting mentally to such a major physical transformation was not always easy. While others could clearly see the difference, he sometimes continued to view himself as the person he was before losing weight. This disconnect between how he looked and how he felt highlighted the psychological side of major lifestyle changes.
Bera said that managing the emotional impact of weight loss was just as important as dealing with the physical aspects. He believes that improving health involves not only changing habits and body weight but also developing a healthier relationship with self-image and confidence.
As he continues making progress, Bera is now gradually reducing his medication dosage under medical supervision. One of his biggest concerns is what will happen after he completely stops taking the treatment, particularly whether his appetite and food cravings will return.
He said he feels more prepared to manage this transition because of the habits he has developed throughout his journey. By following a controlled calorie intake and maintaining regular exercise, he believes he has built the discipline needed to continue making healthy choices without depending solely on medication.
“I believe I will be able to manage it because I have learned how to follow a calorie deficit and trained myself to handle cravings better,” he explained. “I am happy to finally be moving towards stopping GLP-1 treatment.”
Doctors say Bera’s experience highlights an important aspect of weight-management medications: they are most effective when combined with lasting lifestyle improvements. Healthcare professionals warn that relying only on medication without changing daily habits may increase the likelihood of regaining weight after treatment ends.
Dr Reham Ghanim, Paediatric Endocrinologist at Metabolic, explained that GLP-1 medications should be viewed as a supportive tool rather than a complete solution. She said that while these medicines can help patients manage appetite, improve metabolic health and support weight reduction, long-term success depends on building sustainable behaviours.
“If GLP-1 medication is used without lifestyle changes, there is a strong possibility of weight returning after the medication is stopped,” Dr Ghanim said. “The objective is to help patients develop healthier eating patterns and maintain regular physical activity while the medication supports them during the process.”
She explained that the purpose of treatment is not simply to achieve weight loss but to improve overall health and create habits that can continue throughout life. Doctors aim to help patients understand nutrition, develop realistic exercise routines and make choices that support long-term wellbeing.
Dr Ghanim added that children and teenagers receiving GLP-1 therapy require careful medical follow-up. Because young patients are still growing and developing, doctors must monitor several aspects of their health throughout treatment.
Regular assessments may include checking blood sugar levels, liver function, cholesterol levels, muscle health, bone development and growth patterns. These evaluations help doctors understand how the treatment is affecting the child’s overall wellbeing and whether adjustments are needed.
She explained that treatment plans must always be personalised because every child responds differently. Factors such as age, medical history, existing health conditions, lifestyle habits and emotional wellbeing are considered when deciding whether medication is appropriate and how it should be managed.
The specialist stressed that obesity should be recognised as a long-term medical condition rather than a temporary issue related only to appearance or weight. Like other chronic illnesses, it requires ongoing management, professional support and a comprehensive approach.
“Obesity is a chronic disease,” Dr Ghanim said. “These medications are an important tool, but they are most effective when combined with lasting lifestyle changes, family involvement and regular medical monitoring.”
Experts say family support plays a particularly important role when children undergo weight-management treatment. Young patients often need encouragement from parents and caregivers to maintain healthy routines, develop positive attitudes towards food and stay motivated during periods when progress may be slow.
Doctors also highlight the importance of avoiding unrealistic expectations. Weight management is rarely a straightforward process, and progress can involve setbacks. Patients and families are encouraged to focus on overall health improvements rather than only the number displayed on a weighing scale.
For teenagers like Bera, developing confidence and improving quality of life are important measures of success. Increased energy, better physical ability, improved health markers and stronger emotional wellbeing are all valuable outcomes of treatment.
Bera’s journey demonstrates that medication can provide support, but lasting change requires personal commitment. His experience shows that successful weight management involves a combination of medical guidance, healthier habits, physical activity and psychological adjustment.
As he moves toward life without medication, Bera says he feels more confident in his ability to maintain the progress he has achieved. The lessons he learned throughout the process — including managing cravings, staying active and making thoughtful food choices — have become part of his daily routine.
Medical experts hope stories like Bera’s encourage families to approach weight concerns with a balanced understanding. While GLP-1 medications have opened new possibilities in obesity treatment, specialists emphasise that they should be used responsibly and only as part of a broader health strategy.
The goal, doctors say, is not simply short-term weight reduction but helping young people develop healthier futures through informed decisions, continuous support and sustainable lifestyle changes.
