Despite being widely publicized, so-called 'weight loss pens' present significant risks if used incorrectly. These medications can cause gastrointestinal problems, lead to accelerated loss of lean mass (muscle), and stimulate the formation of gallstones.
The dangers are considered even more serious when applied to children and adolescents. The Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP) issued an alert statement regarding the use of GLP-1 agonists—the technical name for these 'pens'—without proper medical indication and adequate monitoring for this age group.
In this population, the incidence and severity of adverse effects are higher. Risks include deficiencies in growth and development, dehydration, electrolyte disorders, acute pancreatitis, in addition to the already mentioned problems related to the gallbladder and muscle loss.
The document emphasizes that science proves the efficacy and safety of these drugs in adolescents, provided they are used according to study criteria and integrated into lifestyle intervention. The current problem, noted especially on social media, lies in the excessive simplification of the treatment, not in the medication itself.
The entity also draws attention to the psychological impact of use, linked to the aesthetic pressure experienced by young people. This pressure can trigger eating disorders and mental health issues, such as anorexia, bulimia, anxiety, and depression.
Crésio Alves, president of the Scientific Department of Endocrinology at the SBP, stated in a release that these medications should not be used solely to alter physical appearance or achieve societal aesthetic ideals. It is forbidden to use them for rapid weight loss before events, trips, or competitions, or as a way to compensate for poor eating habits or sedentary lifestyle.
Although children and adolescents with obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus may benefit from these treatments, prescription should never be automatic. The SBP alert note emphasizes that the healthcare professional must first evaluate the response to previous treatments, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, as well as the severity of the condition, the existence of comorbidities, potential risks, monitoring capacity, and the expectations of the patient and their family.
Finally, the SBP criticizes the use of the term 'weight loss pens,' as it contributes to the trivialization of the treatment and perpetuates stigma against obese people who need these medicines. The organization advocates for the use of the nomenclature 'medications to treat obesity,' recognizing obesity as a chronic disease whose treatment aims to improve overall health and quality of life, going beyond simple weight loss.