In the past year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted approval for Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, a widely-used obesity drug, to be prescribed to teens aged 12 and above with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex. This swift approval sparked debates about the necessity and potential risks of weight-loss drugs for adolescents. With the prevalence of obesity among teenagers, reaching 22% according to the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed the use of Wegovy as part of a comprehensive approach to treating childhood obesity.
Knownwell, a metabolic health clinic established in January 2023, aims to destigmatize childhood obesity and facilitate access to potent anti-obesity drugs, particularly GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy. The clinic, based in Needham, Massachusetts, has expanded its metabolic services to cater to patients aged 13 and up, offering both virtual and in-person primary care and weight-control support.
CEO Brooke Boyarsky Pratt, a childhood obesity survivor herself, emphasizes the importance of early intervention in treating obesity and challenges the notion that lifestyle programs alone are sufficient for significant weight loss. Pratt believes that the data supports the use of weight-loss drugs for adolescents, providing an additional tool to address severe obesity in young individuals.
Knownwell’s Chief Medical Officer, Angela Fitch, asserts that the benefits of drugs like Wegovy outweigh the risks, citing the established safety profile of the active ingredient, semaglutide. While clinical trials have identified common side effects such as nausea and diarrhea, Fitch underscores the need for a holistic treatment approach, including movement programs, dieticians, and health coaching.
However, concerns persist among some pediatricians regarding the lack of long-term safety data, challenges with insurance coverage, and drug shortages. Despite these reservations, Knownwell aims to bridge the gap in providing weight-loss medications for adolescents who meet the criteria. The clinic operates without a membership fee, billing all services through insurance.
Looking ahead, the landscape of weight-loss drugs for children may evolve further, with ongoing trials for younger age groups. Novo Nordisk is conducting trials for liraglutide and semaglutide in a pediatric population aged 6 to 12. Eli Lilly is also exploring the use of its drug tirzepatide in children as young as 10 with Type 2 diabetes and plans a clinical trial for patients six years and older with obesity.
While the promise of these drugs brings hope for managing obesity-related complications, ethical considerations arise regarding their use in younger children. Experts emphasize the need for caution, acknowledging that prescribing weight-loss drugs for younger age groups presents unique challenges related to growth and development.
As the debate continues, Knownwell’s efforts to expand access to weight-loss medications for adolescents reflect the ongoing tension between addressing the urgent health needs of young individuals with obesity and the cautious approach required to ensure long-term safety and effectiveness. The $20 million Series A funding, led by A16Z, indicates investor confidence in Knownwell’s model and its potential to make a significant impact in the field of pediatric metabolic health.