The Eating Disorder Connection to GLP-1s in Kids Nobody's Talking About

Childhood obesity is one of the most misunderstood medical conditions we face today, and GLP-1 medications have sparked strong opinions, fear, and widespread misinformation.

In this episode, I join Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD, host of the @GLP-1hub , to break down what the science actually says about using GLP-1 medications in children and teenagers. We talk honestly about safety, growth, puberty, mental health, eating disorders, long-term outcomes, and why waiting can sometimes do more harm than acting early.

I share what I’ve learned after decades as a pediatric obesity specialist, performing bariatric surgery, treating children medically, and now expanding access through pediatric telehealth. We discuss when GLP-1s make sense, when they don’t, how nutrition needs change on these medications, and why obesity must be treated as a chronic disease, not a personal failure.

If you’re a parent, a future parent, or someone who cares about children’s health, this conversation will help you think more clearly about early intervention, long-term outcomes, and how we can change the trajectory for the next generation.