GLP-1 and Tirzepatide for Obesity in Teens and Older Adults: What the Evidence Shows | Research

The takeaway

Liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide show obesity treatment promise in adolescents and elderly — two populations underrepresented in initial clinical trials.

Underrepresented populations
Adolescents and elderly were largely excluded from initial obesity drug trials, leaving gaps in age-specific evidence

What the researchers found

GLP-1 RAs and tirzepatide show promising efficacy and safety in adolescent and elderly obesity populations, though evidence is more limited than in middle-aged adults.

Why it matters

Teens and older adults have distinct obesity-related health risks and treatment considerations. Ensuring these medications are safe and effective in these groups is essential for responsible prescribing.

The numbers in context

Reviews liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide data in adolescents and elderly. Discusses emerging molecules in development.

How the study worked

Review of clinical development, efficacy, safety, and tolerability data for GLP-1 RAs and tirzepatide specifically in adolescent and elderly populations.

Who was studied

Adolescents and elderly with obesity

What this study cannot tell us

Limited clinical trial data in both age extremes. Long-term effects on adolescent growth/development and elderly sarcopenia/frailty are not well-studied.

How to read the evidence

Review of available clinical data — evidence quality varies by drug and age group. Adolescent data is growing while elderly-specific data remains sparse.

When this study was published

Published in 2025, synthesizing the most current age-specific evidence for obesity pharmacotherapy.

The bigger picture

As GLP-1 drug prescribing expands to all age groups, age-specific evidence becomes critical for guiding treatment decisions and identifying unique risks or benefits.

Questions still open

Does weight loss with GLP-1 drugs in elderly patients increase fall or fracture risk from muscle loss?
Are the metabolic benefits of obesity treatment in adolescents maintained into adulthood?

Common questions

Are GLP-1 drugs safe for teenagers?

Emerging evidence shows GLP-1 drugs can be effective for adolescent obesity, and some are now approved for teens. However, long-term effects on growth and development are still being studied.

Should elderly patients take weight loss drugs?

Weight loss in older adults carries unique risks including muscle loss and frailty. GLP-1 drugs may be appropriate for some elderly patients, but careful assessment of muscle mass and fall risk is important.

Read the original research

GLP-1 receptor agonists and GIP/GLP-1 co-agonists in the treatment of obesity in adolescents and the elderly.

Medicina clinica, 165(4), 107122

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Pérez López, Gilberto. (2025). GLP-1 receptor agonists and GIP/GLP-1 co-agonists in the treatment of obesity in adolescents and the elderly.. Medicina clinica, 165(4), 107122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medcli.2025.107122