GLP-1 Medications Are Becoming More Affordable for Teens: What Parents Should Know in 2025
By Lisa Tritto, MD, FAAP, DABOM
Board-Certified Pediatrician and Obesity Medicine Specialist
Families today are facing a growing need for effective treatment options when it comes to pediatric obesity. For many children and teens, lifestyle changes alone are not enough to improve health. That’s why GLP-1 medications — like Wegovy® and Zepbound® — have become such an important part of care for those who meet medical criteria.
And now, there’s good news for families: prices are dropping, and access is expanding.
As a fellowship-trained, board-certified Pediatric Obesity Medicine specialist, my goal is to help parents understand what this means — and how to access these safe, proven, and expertly guided treatments for their child.
Why GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 medications work on the same pathways in the body that regulate:
Hunger
Fullness signals
Blood sugar control
They are FDA-approved for chronic weight management in certain age groups and can help:
Improve weight-related health conditions (like high triglycerides or prediabetes)
Reduce emotional and social burden related to weight stigma
Support long-term health during adolescence — a critical period for growth and development
Who Can Use Them?
GLP-1 medications are approved for certain age groups based on safety and clinical research:
Wegovy® (semaglutide) is FDA-approved for kids and teens ages 12 and older who meet criteria for obesity or have related health complications.
Zepbound® (tirzepatide) is FDA-approved for adults 18 and older with obesity.
At Evora for Kids, this means we can:
Treat eligible adolescents using Wegovy
Support young adults who may also benefit, using Zepbound
This allows us to take a family-centered approach when needed — because healthy change is easier when everyone feels supported.
The Most Exciting News: Prices Have Dropped
Over the past year, the cost of GLP-1 medications has been a barrier. But recently:
Wegovy pricing has dramatically decreased
Savings programs are helping more families access treatment
Families can often use FSA/HSA funds toward medication and obesity-related care
Exact pricing can vary by insurance, pharmacy, and dose — but it is far more affordable than before. We help families navigate coverage, coupons, and patient-assistance programs to get the lowest price possible.
Are GLP-1s Safe for Teens?
Yes — when prescribed and monitored by a certified obesity medicine specialist.
Monitoring includes:
Growth and puberty tracking
Lab monitoring when needed
Screening for eating disorders or mental health concerns
Coaching around nutrition, activity, sleep, and stress
Medication is never used alone — it is part of a full-support plan.
You are not just getting a prescription — you’re getting expert care and ongoing guidance.
Why Expert-Guided Care Matters — Especially for Kids
While there are many online platforms offering weight-loss medications today, children and teens require a very different level of support. Their bodies and brains are still developing — and treatment should reflect that.
At Evora for Kids, your child receives:
Care from a board-certified pediatric obesity medicine specialist
Close monitoring of growth, puberty, and metabolic health
Regular follow-ups with personalized adjustments
Support with mental health, nutrition, sleep, and activity
Collaboration with therapists and dietitians when needed
GLP-1 medications are powerful tools — but they work best, and safest, when they’re part of a comprehensive plan for long-term success.
A Whole-Child Approach
At Evora for Kids, treatment always includes:
Nutrition and behavior coaching
Metabolic health monitoring
Mental health support as needed
Family-centered goal-setting
Helping kids build confidence, not fear around food or their bodies
Every child has unique needs — and medications are never mandatory.
How to Know if This Is Right for Your Child
A teen may be a candidate if they have:
Obesity (BMI at or above the 95th percentile)
Weight-related health concerns (like high cholesterol)
Difficulty making progress with lifestyle changes alone
If you're unsure, that's exactly what we can help with. The first step is a comprehensive assessment to determine the safest, most effective plan.
Families Don’t Need to Wait for Help
We understand how overwhelming this process can feel. Our mission is to make it easier.
Evora for Kids offers:
In-person visits in St. Louis
Telemedicine throughout Missouri, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio
Flexible scheduling and a supportive care team
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child need to stay on medication forever?
Not necessarily. Every child is different. Some may continue long-term because obesity is a chronic medical condition, while others may transition off medication once their health is improved and stable. We make this decision together, based on health goals and wellbeing.
Are there side effects?
The most common side effects are mild stomach symptoms like nausea or fullness and usually improve over time. We monitor closely and adjust treatment as needed to keep kids feeling well while making progress.
Will this affect my child’s growth or puberty?
As a pediatric specialist, I track growth and puberty closely. A major goal is improving health during growth, not limiting it. When used appropriately, GLP-1s can help teens thrive physically and emotionally.
Do we still need to focus on nutrition and activity?
Absolutely. Medication does not replace healthy habits — it supports them. Kids still learn how to fuel their bodies, sleep better, and manage stress, which improves long-term success.
How do we know if our insurance will help?
Coverage varies, but many families now use a combination of insurance + savings programs + FSA/HSA funds. Our team helps you explore every option to make treatment affordable.
Is therapy or behavioral support included?
Yes. Our whole-child approach includes therapy options, nutrition coaching, and compassionate guidance tailored to each child and family.
Get Started
You don’t have to navigate this alone — and treatment is more accessible than ever, including options to use FSA/HSA dollars to support your child’s health.
Dr. Lisa Tritto is a board-certified pediatrician and pediatric and adolescent weight loss specialist. She is passionate about helping children and teens develop healthy habits in a supportive, nonjudgmental way, partnering closely with families to promote long-term health and well-being.
Schedule a visit today, and let’s help your child feel healthier and more confident — now and in the future.
