This is a miracle drug for people who truly struggle with your weight. But it doesn't sound like that's your daughter -- she's a totally normal size and sounds very healthy. My understanding is that the drugs primarily work by curbing your appetite. She's still a teen with growing body/bones and is a completely healthy weight, so I don't think it would be a good idea for her to curb her appetite -- it sounds like she currently eats a well rounded diet that is sufficient to keep her at a regular and healthy body weight. Why mess with that?

It is indicated for obesity, not for losing a few stubborn vanity pounds.

Anonymous wrote:If she is a healthy eater and exercising 5 days a week and unable to lose weight, I would first see an endocrinologist and run very thorough blood tests to see if there is an underlying condition (hypothyroid, some form of PCOS, other hormonal issues) before I'd consider Ozempic.

This, OP. Medication should be a last resort, IMO. I would help her set up and navigate these appointments.

Oh god this is so sad. OP, I’m your daughter. I’ve been size 6-10 my entire life and still am at 40. That is what size I am when I eat healthy and exercise but don’t put *all* my energy into losing weight. I am attractive and happily married to someone who finds me attractive and men flirt with me on the street and in stores. I have no weight related health issues.

I do have an unrelated chronic health condition and I have been through the wringer of every possible side effect trying to find a medication I can live with. It is awful. I can’t imagine doing anything other than being horrified my healthy daughter wanted to go through that ona relatively new drug where the long term side effects are still largely unknown to be a little hotter. God how awful this is even a question.

Anonymous wrote:And expense is another issue. No insurance will cover this so she is looking at an extra 500-1200 a month!

better get a therapist, personal trainer and nutritionist for that money,

And expense is another issue. No insurance will cover this so she is looking at an extra 500-1200 a month!

No. And I am on these drugs and I recommened them strongly to my friend whose 15 year old is 50 lbs overweight.

But she is of a totally average and fine size. If anything, make sure she does a full physical with blood and hormone work.

At 18, I would encourage her to make an appointment and discuss with a real trusted doctor, not just any “licensed prescriber” because she can do that anyway.

I discussed the various weight loss drugs with my doctor but I’m in my 50s and obese. I was surprised to find out how expensive they are and decided not to proceed right now. He also said there could be shortages from time to time. I highly doubt any reputable trusted doctor would prescribe this for an 18 yo who’s a size 8. Offer to go with her to an appointment or she may go on her own to anyone who who prescribe anything.

Anonymous wrote:If she is a healthy eater and exercising 5 days a week and unable to lose weight, I would first see an endocrinologist and run very thorough blood tests to see if there is an underlying condition (hypothyroid, some form of PCOS, other hormonal issues) before I'd consider Ozempic.

She’s eating “too much.” Sadly even an active woman doesn’t need a lot of cals. She has to cut her cals and feel hungry.

At her age and weight, no way.

She is borderline. Semaglutides are best for the truly obese, those who are over the BMI for obesity. There are side effects (some of which were described by a PP, but others that affect other individuals). Additionally, she is entering the prime of her life and now is the time for her to modify her diet and exercise to get a lifetime of improvement. Semaglutide injections are a lifetime if you want to keep the weight off. If you start on them, and then stop, then the weight will come back. In some cases, the patient gains back more weight than they lost.

I would suggest that no one under 25 get semaglutide unless they have a very serious obesity issue where the weight is actually damaging the body.

Not a chance in hell I'd recommend this. This is a drug for obese people. Frame it to her like this - "This drug is supposed to be prescribed only to people who are seriously overweight or diabetic. Any doctor who would prescribe it to you, as someone who is just barely borderline overweight, is not a trustworthy provider. There are real side-effects to this drug, and drinking alcohol while on it can be especially dangerous. I don't think it's safe for you."

I feel differently from others in that, if she has been honest (with you and herself) about food choices and exercise, it’s odd she hasn’t lost more, so maybe it makes sense. High normal in teens often leads to gradually increasing gains and overweight by middle aged.

I wouldn’t feel qualified to give an informed opinion so I’d suggest she get another opinion just to make sure another doctor finds it appropriate. I’d also think it’s worth checking for other medical issues, thyroid, etc, but I’d assume that’s done prior to weight loss meds.

Anonymous wrote:She's a size 8/10. I would heavily discourage this. I'd encourage her to focus on strength and being fit, NOT THIN. Thin does not equal healthy.

It sounds like she should discuss this with a therapist who can help with body dysmorphia.

maybe she wants to be attractive, not just “healthy”.

If she was my child and asking my opinion I would discourage it but only because I don't think it is a viable long term solution. I think the likelihood of her losing and then gaining weight back is high, unless she stays on it forever. Staying on it long term is a very different consideration for a 45 or 55 year old as compared to an 18 year old.
I give you credit for your thoughtful consideration and relationship with her.

She's a size 8/10. I would heavily discourage this. I'd encourage her to focus on strength and being fit, NOT THIN. Thin does not equal healthy.

It sounds like she should discuss this with a therapist who can help with body dysmorphia.