GLP-1RA use surged >50-fold in Danish youth (12-24 y.o.) by 2025, driven by semaglutide for weight management
Background
The global rise in obesity among adolescents and young adults presents a significant public health challenge, with long-term health implications. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have revolutionized obesity and type 2 diabetes management in adults, demonstrating efficacy in weight loss and cardiorenal benefits. However, real-world data on GLP-1RA utilization, prescribing patterns, and treatment persistence specifically within younger populations (12-24 years) remain limited, despite recent approvals for weight management in this demographic. Understanding these trends is crucial for informing clinical practice and public health strategies.
Study Design
Researchers conducted a nationwide drug utilization study in Denmark from January 2018 to December 2025, including all 12- to 24-year-olds who filled a prescription for a GLP-1RA. Using comprehensive prescription, hospital, and laboratory registries, the study examined the incidence of GLP-1RA use, baseline characteristics of users, prescribing patterns, and treatment persistence. The primary endpoints focused on quantifying the increase in GLP-1RA uptake and describing the demographic and clinical profile of young users.
Results
GLP-1RA use in Danish adolescents and young adults increased dramatically, rising more than 50-fold across the study period. By 2025, the incidence reached 418 new users per 100,000 individuals in the 12-24 age group, largely driven by semaglutide for weight management. The uptake was significantly steeper among young adults aged 18-24 years, increasing from 13 to 686 per 100,000, compared to a more modest rise in adolescents aged 12-17 years, from 1.7 to 72 per 100,000. Most users were female, and notably, 33% presented with psychiatric comorbidity, particularly emotional and neurodevelopmental disorders. By 2025, 78% of new GLP-1RA treatments were initiated in general practice. > Only 38% of users maintained prescription coverage after 1 year, indicating low long-term persistence.
Key Findings
- GLP-1RA use in Danish 12-24 year olds increased over 50-fold between 2018 and 2025.
- By 2025, 418 new GLP-1RA users per 100,000 were observed, primarily driven by semaglutide for weight management.
- Uptake was significantly higher in 18-24 year olds (from 13 to 686 per 100,000) than in 12-17 year olds.
- 33% of young GLP-1RA users had psychiatric comorbidities, especially emotional and neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Only 38% of users remained on GLP-1RA treatment after 1 year, indicating low persistence.
Why It Matters
The rapid and substantial increase in GLP-1RA use among youth, particularly for weight management, underscores an urgent need for refined clinical protocols. Clinicians must ensure specialist involvement in initiating GLP-1RA therapy for adolescents and young adults, and implement robust screening for psychiatric comorbidities. The low 1-year persistence rate suggests challenges in long-term adherence or suitability, highlighting the need for further research into factors influencing discontinuation. Given the high proportion of initiations in general practice, enhanced guidelines and educational resources are critical to support appropriate prescribing, monitor for adverse effects, and evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of GLP-1RAs in this vulnerable population.
glp-1ra
semaglutide
adolescent-obesity
youth-obesity
drug-utilization
denmark