GLP-1s for Teens
Helping teens feel confident, healthy, and strong — safely and under expert medical care.
When your teen has tried everything — better eating, sports, even nutrition counseling — and still struggles with weight, it’s frustrating for the whole family. At Rixa Health, we take a compassionate, science-based approach to helping adolescents reach a healthy weight through doctor-supervised medical care and proven GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Unlike quick-fix programs, we partner with your family every step of the way — providing education, medical oversight, and emotional support so your teen can feel good inside and out.
Timothy Scott, D.O.
What Is Medical Weight Loss for Teens?
Weight struggles in adolescence aren’t just about calories or willpower. Hormones, insulin sensitivity, genetics, and even mental health can all play a role in how a teen’s body manages weight.
Rixa Health’s Medical Weight Loss for Teens program is built specifically for ages 16–18, offering personalized care that supports your child’s health, confidence, and long-term growth.
What Makes Our Program Different
Guided by board-certified medical providers experienced in adolescent care
Safe, evidence-based use of GLP-1 medications
Tailored nutrition, sleep, and movement recommendations
Regular medical monitoring and lab testing
Parent-inclusive education and communication
Because this isn’t just about losing weight — it’s about helping your teen feel capable, confident, and in control of their health.
GLP-1 Medications for Teens
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite, digestion, and blood sugar. They help your teen feel full faster, reduce cravings, and stabilize energy throughout the day.
At Rixa Health, these treatments are prescribed only when medically appropriate and always combined with education, nutrition guidance, and behavioral support.
How GLP-1s Help Teens
Semaglutide for Teens
Semaglutideis a once-weekly injectable medication that’s been proven safe and effective for teens with obesity. In clinical studies, adolescents saw an average 16% reduction in body weight — along with improvements in cholesterol, A1C, and self-esteem.
At Rixa Health, semaglutide therapy is personalized to your teen’s unique health profile, monitored closely, and supported by lifestyle coaching that makes change sustainable.
Weekly dosing with gradual increases for tolerance
Ongoing doctor check-ins and progress tracking
Integrated with nutrition and emotional wellness support
Who Qualifies for GLP-1 Treatment
Understanding eligibility so your family can make informed, confident decisions.
At Rixa Health, we want parents and teens to feel empowered with clear, honest information before starting any treatment. GLP-1 therapy isn’t right for everyone, but for the right candidates, it can be life-changing. Here’s what our medical team looks for when evaluating eligibility.
Inclusion Criteria
Age 16 or older
Has completed at least 6 months of structured lifestyle therapy (nutrition, activity, or behavioral support) without achieving desired results
Family and teen are willing to commit to a structured program including injections, monitoring, and follow-up care
BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age and gender, or above the 85th percentile with health-related conditions such as insulin resistance or high cholesterol. Examples:
- 16-year-old boy: BMI ≥ 27.5 (≥24.2 is 85th percentile)
- 16-year-old girl: BMI ≥ 29 (≥24.5 is 85th percentile)
- 17-year-old boy: BMI ≥ 28.4 (≥25.0 is 85th percentile)
- 17-year-old girl: BMI ≥ 29.5 (≥25.1 is 85th percentile)
Exclusion or Contraindications
GLP-1 therapy is not recommended for teens with:
A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2
A history of pancreatitis
Severe gastrointestinal disease, such as gastroparesis or inflammatory bowel disease flare
Current pregnancy or planning pregnancy
Active eating disorder or untreated major psychiatric illness
If your teen has any of these conditions, our providers will guide you toward safer, more appropriate options.
Our goal is always safety first — and compassion always.
If you’re unsure whether your teen qualifies, a consultation is the best way to find out. We’ll review your teen’s medical history, answer your questions, and discuss every option with transparency and care.
Doctor-led. Family-focused. Results-driven.
Tirzepatide for Teens
Advanced dual-action therapy — under careful supervision.
Tirzepatide is one of the most effective medications available for adult weight loss, targeting two key hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) for enhanced results. While not yet FDA-approved for adolescents, it’s currently being studied in youth trials and showing significant promise.
At Rixa Health, we stay at the forefront of obesity medicine research. If tirzepatide becomes an appropriate option for your teen, we’ll discuss it transparently and ensure full medical oversight throughout treatment.
Note: Tirzepatide for adolescents is considered off-label and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
How Our Teen Medical Weight Loss Program Works
Comprehensive care that goes far beyond medication.
We don’t just write prescriptions — we build partnerships with families. Every teen program includes medical oversight, nutritional education, and emotional support designed to help young patients succeed for life.
Pre-Visit Education
Initial Consultation
Custom Teen Treatment Plan
Medication Delivery
Ongoing Medical Support
Beyond the Number on the Scale
Track what really matters.
Every Rixa Health patient receives a smart body composition scale to help monitor real progress — not just pounds lost.
Measure:
- Muscle mass
- Visceral fat (fat around the organs)
- Hydration and metabolic balance
The data syncs with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Samsung Health so parents can easily track changes and celebrate success together.
Education for Families
Empowering your teen with knowledge, not shame.
We believe in equipping families and teens with the “why” behind the “what.” When young people understand how their body works, they make better choices and feel more confident doing it.
How hunger hormones and fullness cues function
Why sleep and stress impact metabolism
How to build balanced, enjoyable meals
Mindset, motivation, and body confidence
Sustainable lifestyle habits that last
Why Families Choose Rixa Health
Science-backed, compassionate, and designed for long-term results.
Parents trust Rixa Health because we combine medical expertise with genuine care.
You’re not just signing up for a prescription — you’re partnering with a dedicated team that understands how complex weight and health can be during adolescence.
The Rixa Difference
100% doctor-led care — no shortcuts or cookie-cutter plans
Transparent communication with parents at every stage
Experience with ADHD, PCOS, insulin resistance, and neurodiverse teens
Personalized plans for every body type and personality
Continuous motivation, empathy, and accountability
Real Results. Real Confidence.
Because feeling better is the real goal.
Our patients report:
- More stable moods and focus
- Improved confidence and self-image
- Stronger energy and performance at school and activities
- Noticeable health improvements in just months
Is GLP-1 Therapy Right for Your Teen?
Find out in one simple consultation.
Rixa Health makes it easy to take the next step with compassionate care and trusted guidance. During your consultation, we’ll review your teen’s medical history, discuss safe options, and determine if GLP-1 therapy is a good fit.
No pressure — just expert advice from clinicians who care.
FAQs for Parents
Who qualifies for GLP-1 therapy?
GLP-1 therapy is designed for teens ages 16 and up who meet certain medical criteria. Generally, your teen may qualify if their BMI is at or above the 95th percentile, or above the 85th percentile with other health concerns such as insulin resistance or high cholesterol.
We also look for a history of at least six months of structured lifestyle efforts, like nutrition counseling or activity programs, without the results you’ve hoped for. During your consultation, our providers review every detail to ensure GLP-1 treatment is the right and safe fit for your teen.
Are there reasons a teen might not qualify?
Yes. GLP-1 therapy isn’t recommended for teens with certain medical conditions such as a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2, pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal issues (like gastroparesis or IBD flare), current or planned pregnancy, or active eating or psychiatric disorders.
If any of these apply, our providers will talk through alternative, safe options for your teen’s health journey.
How will we know for sure if my teen qualifies?
That’s exactly what the initial consultation is for. You’ll meet one-on-one with a Rixa Health provider who will review your teen’s medical history, BMI, lab work, and lifestyle factors. Together, you’ll decide on the safest and most effective plan, whether that includes GLP-1 medication or other supportive treatments.
Is Semaglutide safe for teens?
Is tirzepatide approved for teens?
What if my teen struggles with ADHD or emotional eating?
Will my teen need to take it forever?
Start Your Teen’s Journey Today
Your teen deserves care that understands them — body, mind, and heart.
At Rixa Health, we help adolescents build healthier habits, improve metabolic function, and grow into adulthood with strength and confidence.
Doctor-led. Family-focused. Results-driven.
