Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) / glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist commonly used for weight management. It’s currently only approved for use in people over the age of 18
However, Zepbound is currently being studied as a potential treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes in adolescents. There have been some promising findings in clinical trials, but research is still ongoing, and it may be some time before it’s approved in adolescents
»MORE:Learn more about Zepbound, including details on its uses.
Who can take Zepbound?
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Zepbound is approved for use in the following people:
- adults with obesity
- adults with overweight and at least one weight-related condition, such as hypertension
- adults with obesity and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Whichever condition Zepbound is being used to treat, it’s only approved for use in people over the age of 18. However, this isn’t to say that it’s definitely unsafe for use in adolescents. It just means that its safety and effectiveness in this population haven’t yet been determined
In fact, research is currently underway to determine whether Zepbound is safe and effective for people ages 12 to 17
What does the research say?
There are currently two ongoing clinical trials into Zepbound for obesity in adolescents: The SURMOUNT-ADOLESCENTS trial and the SURMOUNT-ADOLESCENTS-2 trial
There has also been one clinical trial into Zepbound for type 2 diabetes in adolescents, called the SURPASS-PEDS trial
SURMOUNT-ADOLESCENTS
This trial began in 2023, and it aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of tirzepatide (Zepbound) in adolescents who have obesity or overweight with at least one other weight-related condition. It has 160 participants, who will take either tirzepatide or a placebo
The primary study will last about 90 weeks and may include up to 25 visits. An optional extension study period will last an additional 160 weeks and may include up to 19 more visits. The estimated completion date of this study is July 2029
SURMOUNT-ADOLESCENTS-2
The goal of the study is to assess how tirzepatide affects body weight and cardiovascular risk factors when used alongside healthy nutrition and physical activity in adolescents with obesity and multiple other weight-related conditions
This trial began in 2024, and researchers estimate completion in 2030. The study will last approximately 76 weeks and may include up to 23 visits
SURPASS-PEDS
This trial ran from 2022 to 2023 and included 146 participants ages 10 to 17 with type 2 diabetes that wasn’t being adequately managed with metformin or insulin. Participants were either given a placebo, 5 milligrams (mg) of tirzepatide, or 10 mg of tirzepatide over the course of 30 weeks
The trial found that tirzepatide significantly improved blood sugar management and BMI compared with placebo. These effects were sustained over 1 year, suggesting that Zepbound may be a good option in young people
What GLP-1s can teens take?
Zepbound still isn’t approved for use in adolescents, but there are other GLP-1s that can be used in this population. There are currently 4 GLP-1s approved for use in
- For weight management:Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) in patients 12 years or older.
- For type 2 diabetes:Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Victoza (liraglutide) in patients 10 years or older.
Warning:Some research warns that there may be some unintended consequences of GLP-1 use in teens, including misuse in children with eating disorders or in competitive sports. It’s important to monitor your child closely while they’re taking GLP-1s and to talk with them about their mental health
The takeaway
Zepbound isn’t currently approved for use in adolescents under the age of 18. However, clinical trials are currently underway to assess whether Zepbound will be effective in this population. These are expected to end in 2030 or earlier
If you and your teen think they should try a GLP-1, speak with a healthcare professional. They’ll prescribe one, such as Wegovy or Saxenda, that’s appropriate for them
