Canada Updates Pediatric Obesity Guidelines for First Time in 20 Years

New recommendations include GLP-1 drugs and weight-loss surgery for teens, alongside a holistic care approach.

The updated guidelines endorse GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic and Wegovy, for adolescents aged 12 and older with obesity.
Weight-loss surgery is now recommended for teens aged 13 and up under certain conditions, marking a significant shift in treatment options.
The guidelines emphasize a holistic, multicomponent approach to care, integrating nutrition, physical activity, and psychological support to improve quality of life.
Limited evidence exists for the use of GLP-1 drugs in adolescents, with only one cited study showing significant weight loss in teens aged 12 to 18.
Access to comprehensive obesity care remains a challenge in Canada due to limited specialized clinics, surgical centers, and high costs of medications.