Youth GLP-1 Counseling: Do Specialized Training Opportunities Exist?

Part Two of Our Series on Pediatric and Youth Nutrition Counseling

Picture this: You’re meeting with a 14-year-old patient who’s lost 30 pounds in four months. Not through a crash diet or excessive exercise, but with the help of a weekly injection that’s fundamentally changed how their body processes food. Their energy is up, their confidence is soaring, and for the first time in years, they’re excited about their future. Welcome to the GLP-1 era in pediatric nutrition.

For better or for worse, the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) era is in full swing. Although GLP-1 antagonists are certainly not new—they’ve been around since 2005 to treat Type 2 diabetes—their use in treating obesity is relatively recent, and their application in pediatric populations is nothing short of revolutionary.

The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.

📊 GLP-1 Timeline: From Diabetes to Pediatric Weight Management

• 2005: First GLP-1 medications approved for Type 2 diabetes in adults
• 2014: FDA approves Saxenda (liraglutide) as first GLP-1 for weight loss
• 2022: Wegovy approved for adolescents 12 and older
• 2023: American Academy of Pediatrics endorses GLP-1s for pediatric obesity
• 2025: FDA considering approval for children as young as 6 years old

Though the FDA approved Saxenda as the first GLP-1 for weight loss back in 2014, it wasn’t until the last few years that the popularity and availability of these medications for obesity have skyrocketed. Today, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, and others are changing the shape—literally—of weight management. And it’s not just adults taking advantage of the spectacular efficacy of the GLP-1s; doctors are prescribing them to children at unprecedented rates.

If you’re a nutritionist and haven’t yet encountered GLP-1 medications in your pediatric practice, you soon will. Some estimates report that pediatric prescriptions have jumped as much as 700% in recent years.

If you’re a nutritionist, you’ll be well-served to understand these medications and how they can be used in conjunction with nutrition counseling to serve the youngest populations. The landscape is changing rapidly, and staying ahead of this curve isn’t just good for your career—it’s essential for providing the best care to your young patients.

Understanding the Surge in Youth Prescriptions

First, let’s talk about where we stand with weight loss medication and our nation’s youth. The numbers tell a story that’s both promising and concerning, depending on your perspective.

Some estimates report that pediatric prescriptions for GLP-1s have jumped as much as 700 percent in recent years. It’s a staggering statistic, and one worth remembering as a nutritionist. A May 2024 Michigan Medicine study painted an even more detailed picture of this explosion in prescriptions:

📈 The GLP-1 Prescription Surge (2020-2023)

Source: Michigan Medicine Study, May 2024

These aren’t just numbers—they represent a fundamental shift in how we approach pediatric obesity. Behind each percentage point is a child whose life trajectory may be forever changed by these medications. The report also revealed something concerning: many children and teens are being prescribed Ozempic for weight loss, despite it not being approved in children for Type 2 diabetes or weight management. This off-label use highlights both the desperation of families seeking solutions and the need for trained professionals who understand the nuances of these medications.

The Medical Community Weighs In

There’s been some pushback, but the biggest names in youth medicine have gotten behind GLP-1 prescriptions for children and teens with obesity and Type 2 diabetes. However, the medical community isn’t speaking with one voice on this issue, and understanding the different perspectives is crucial for any nutritionist working in this space.

In 2017, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force first recommended that physicians screen children for obesity. And in June 2024, they updated their recommendations, now advising intensive counseling for children aged six and older with a high body mass index (identified as having a BMI at or above the 95th percentile). Interestingly, the task force hasn’t yet recommended GLP-1 drugs for children and teens. Instead, they’re calling for more research, citing that existing evidence is simply inadequate at this point.

“The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released guidelines in 2023 stating that providers can begin offering these medications to patients 12 and older with obesity. This was a watershed moment that legitimized what many physicians were already doing.”

But it’s a different story with the American Academy of Pediatrics. In 2023, the AAP released guidelines that providers can begin offering these medications to patients 12 and older with obesity. This endorsement from one of the most respected pediatric organizations in the country sent ripples through the medical community.

⚠️ The Ongoing Debate: Concerns About Pediatric GLP-1 Use

Critics raise several important concerns:

• Growth and Development: Impact during crucial developmental years
• Hormonal Effects: Potential interference with puberty and bone building
• Psychological Impact: Risk of trauma from the medicalization of body image
• Long-term Effects: Limited data on lifetime use starting in childhood
• Eating Disorders: Concerns from organizations like the Collaborative of Eating Disorders Organizations

Some physicians have cried foul, arguing that the introduction of these medications during a period of significant growth and development could come with adverse health effects. Others are concerned about the impact on everything from hormones to puberty to bone building when calories are restricted. Experts in the field, like the Collaborative of Eating Disorders Organizations, point to potential adverse psychological effects on children due to the increasing emphasis on weight. They point out that some children could experience trauma from being told that their bodies are diseased and they must consume medications to fix them.

But that hasn’t stopped many experts from advocating for GLP-1 drugs for this population of patients and physicians from prescribing them. The reality is that for many children facing serious obesity-related health conditions, the benefits may outweigh the risks.

The Evidence Behind the Enthusiasm

A March 2025 article by Pediatrics called “GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Pediatric and Adolescent Obesity” explores when the use of these medications for children is appropriate, their potential side effects, efficacy, and mental health considerations—all of which must be considered by physicians and nutritionists.

The effectiveness of these medications can’t be denied, with many calling them “lifechanging.” A groundbreaking 2022 study revealed results that caught the attention of the entire medical community:

🔬 Landmark Study Results: Semaglutide in Adolescents

These results aren’t just impressive—they’re unprecedented in pediatric weight management. For context, traditional lifestyle interventions typically achieve 2-5% weight loss. The participants who took the semaglutide saw their BMIs drop an average of 16 percent, while those receiving the placebo saw a mere 0.6 percent drop in BMI.

Current FDA Approvals for Pediatric Use

The regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly. Currently:

• Victoza is approved for children with Type 2 diabetes as young as ten years old
• Both Saxenda and Wegovy are approved for children 12 years and older
• The FDA is currently considering approving liraglutide for children as young as six years old

The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) has also advised using GLP-1 drugs and surgery, when appropriate, representing a growing international consensus on these treatments.

Why Nutritionists Are Essential to GLP-1 Success

Here’s where you come in as a nutrition professional. The AAP guidelines include considering the whole patient when prescribing GLP-1s for pediatric patients. Physicians should consider the child’s physical and emotional health and their culture and environment. They also recommend close monitoring to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate hydration and nutrition. This, of course, means that nutritionists will continue to play a major part—perhaps an even more crucial part—in pediatric weight loss.

Because medical guidelines report that GLP-1 prescriptions should also coincide with fitness and nutrition counseling, registered dietitians should have strategies in place for providing proper counseling and guidance for pediatric patients on these medications. You’re not just a supporting player in this scenario—you’re essential to success.

🌟 The Nutritionist’s Critical Role in GLP-1 Therapy

As a pediatric nutritionist working with GLP-1 patients, you’ll be responsible for:

Nutritional Optimization

• Ensuring adequate protein intake despite reduced appetite
• Monitoring micronutrient status during rapid weight loss
• Preventing muscle mass loss through strategic meal planning

Behavioral Support

• Helping families navigate changed eating patterns
• Addressing emotional connections to food
• Building sustainable habits for long-term success

Medical Collaboration

• Monitoring for side effects affecting nutrition (nausea, vomiting)
• Adjusting meal plans based on medication dosing
• Communicating concerns to the prescribing physician

Family Education

• Teaching parents how to support without pressuring
• Helping siblings understand changes in family meals
• Creating inclusive meal plans that work for everyone

Think about it: these medications dramatically reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying. Without proper nutritional guidance, children could easily develop deficiencies, lose muscle mass along with fat, or struggle with gastrointestinal side effects. Your expertise ensures they’re getting the nutrients they need for growth and development, even with a significantly reduced appetite.

Moreover, GLP-1s aren’t magic—they’re tools. When patients eventually stop taking them (and most will at some point), the habits you’ve helped them build will determine whether they maintain their weight loss or regain. You’re not just managing their nutrition during treatment; you’re setting them up for a lifetime of healthy choices.

Is It Time for Specialized Training?

Is it time to consider adding specialized training in GLP-1 meds to your nutrition and dietetics wheelhouse? The short answer is yes, now is probably the time to begin getting the education and training you need to ensure that you’re providing the best nutrition advice and counseling to your pediatric patients on GLP-1s.

Consider this: if pediatric GLP-1 prescriptions have increased by 700% and you’re not prepared to work with these patients, you’re missing out on a significant—and growing—segment of your potential practice. But it’s not just about business opportunities. These young patients need nutritionists who understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with GLP-1 therapy.

The use of these medications, while life-changing themselves, has the best potential for success when combined with adequate and consistent nutrition counseling. This makes specialized training not just valuable—it’s becoming essential.

If you’ve recently earned your degree in nutrition or dietetics, the use of GLP-1 antagonists will likely be a part of your training. And if you haven’t yet begun an education in nutrition and dietetics, there’s a strong likelihood that GLP-1 training will be part and parcel of future nutrition programs. The landscape is shifting so rapidly that educational institutions are racing to keep up.

Why Specialized Training Matters

Working with pediatric GLP-1 patients isn’t just about understanding the medications—it’s about navigating a complex intersection of medical, nutritional, psychological, and family dynamics. Specialized training prepares you to:

1. Understand the Science: How do these medications work? What are the mechanisms that affect appetite, digestion, and metabolism? Understanding the pharmacology helps you anticipate and address nutritional challenges.
2. Navigate Side Effects: From nausea to constipation, GLP-1s come with side effects that directly impact nutrition. Specialized training teaches you evidence-based strategies to minimize these while maintaining nutritional adequacy.
3. Support Families: Parents may be anxious about their child taking medication, siblings might feel jealous of the attention, and the patient themselves may struggle with the rapid changes. You need skills to support the entire family system.
4. Collaborate Effectively: You’ll be part of a medical team that might include endocrinologists, psychologists, and primary care physicians. Understanding medical terminology and treatment protocols helps you communicate effectively.
5. Stay Current: This field is evolving rapidly. New medications, updated guidelines, and emerging research mean that what’s best practice today might change tomorrow. Specialized training often includes ongoing education components.

You’ll likely encounter the use of GLP-1s for child and adolescent weight loss if you take elective courses in pediatric weight management within your bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutrition or dietetics or choose a specialization in this field of study at the graduate level (learn more at Pediatric Weight Management Nutrition Specialist Degree Focus and Certification Options).

Current Training Opportunities

But there’s more. Because of the growing acceptance of their use among the pediatric population and recommendations by big names like the American Academy of Pediatrics, you’re sure to find training opportunities that will get you in the know about pediatric GLP-1 use and its applications for nutrition counseling.

The good news is that forward-thinking institutions are already creating specialized training programs. Here’s what’s available now:

📚 Current GLP-1 Training Opportunities

UT San Antonio “The GLP-1 Era in Pediatric Obesity Management” Podcast

• Explores FDA-approved medications for childhood obesity
• Discusses diagnostic challenges and treatment approaches
• Features expert interviews and case studies
• Free and accessible online

University of Florida Health Virtual Lecture Series: “Approach to Pediatric Obesity”

• Includes specialty presentation on GLP-1s for ages 6-12
• Led by Division of Endocrinology experts
• Offers CME credits for healthcare professionals
• Quarterly updates with the latest research

UC San Francisco “GLP-1R Agonists in Children” by Dr. Srinath Sanda

• Covers semaglutide’s effects on adolescent BMI
• Discusses adverse events and screening protocols
• Includes practical clinical applications
• Available on-demand with institutional access

A major player to keep an eye on for specialized training in pediatric GLP-1 use is the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), which offers both a CDR Certificate of Training in Obesity for Pediatrics and Adults course and a Board Certified credential in Pediatric Nutrition.

Chances are good that both the certificate and credential training opportunities through the CDR are or will soon include specific training in GLP-1 medications. The CDR also offers a Board Certified credential in Obesity and Weight Management that will allow you to become a specialist in weight management for people of all ages. This Board Certification is comprehensive, covering the management of weight through nutrition, behavioral health, medicine, surgery, pharmaceutics, and physical activity.

What to Look for in Training Programs

Not all training opportunities are created equal. When evaluating programs, consider:

• Clinical Focus: Does the program include real-world case studies and practical applications?
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Are you learning to work with medical teams?
• Current Content: Is the curriculum updated regularly to reflect new research and guidelines?
• Pediatric Specificity: Does it address the unique needs of growing children versus adults?
• Practical Skills: Will you leave with tools and protocols you can implement immediately?

Looking Ahead: Your Career in the GLP-1 Era

The integration of GLP-1 medications into pediatric weight management isn’t a trend—it’s a paradigm shift. As a nutritionist, you have the opportunity to be at the forefront of this change, helping shape how these powerful tools are used to improve children’s lives.

💰 Career Outlook for GLP-1 Specialists

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), dietitians and nutritionists earn:

*Estimated 15-20% premium for specialized expertise. Source: BLS National Employment and Wage Estimates, May 2024

The career opportunities are expanding rapidly. Hospitals are creating dedicated pediatric weight management programs that integrate GLP-1 therapy. Insurance companies are hiring nutritionists who understand these medications to develop coverage policies. Pharmaceutical companies need educators who can train healthcare providers. And perhaps most excitingly, there’s a growing need for nutritionists in private practice who can provide the specialized support these young patients need.

As GLP-1 medications become standard care for pediatric obesity, nutritionists with specialized training won’t just be valuable—they’ll be indispensable.

But beyond the career opportunities, think about the impact you can have. You’ll be working with children at a pivotal moment in their lives, helping them not just lose weight but build a healthy relationship with food that can last a lifetime. You’ll support families navigating uncharted territory, providing the expertise and reassurance they need. And you’ll be part of a healthcare revolution that’s changing how we think about and treat childhood obesity.

Frequently Asked Questions About GLP-1 Interventions for Kids

Are GLP-1 medications safe for children?

Current FDA-approved GLP-1 medications for pediatric use have undergone rigorous clinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy. However, they require careful medical supervision and monitoring. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and constipation, which is why nutritional support is crucial. Long-term effects are still being studied, making ongoing monitoring essential.

What age groups are currently approved for GLP-1 therapy?

FDA approvals vary by medication:

• Victoza: Approved for Type 2 diabetes in children 10 and older
• Saxenda: Approved for weight management in adolescents 12-17
• Wegovy: Approved for obesity treatment in adolescents 12 and older. The FDA is considering expanding approvals to younger age groups pending additional research.

How do GLP-1 medications affect nutritional needs in growing children?

GLP-1 medications significantly reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying, which can impact nutrient intake during crucial growth periods. Children on these medications need careful monitoring to ensure adequate protein for growth, sufficient calories for development, proper micronutrient intake, and maintenance of bone density. This is why specialized nutritional counseling is essential.

What happens when children stop taking GLP-1 medications?

Research shows that weight regain is common when GLP-1 medications are discontinued without proper support. This makes the nutritionist’s role in building sustainable habits crucial. Success in maintaining weight loss depends on established healthy eating patterns, continued family support, regular physical activity, and ongoing nutritional counseling.

How can I prepare to work with pediatric GLP-1 patients if my area doesn’t offer specialized training?

Start by familiarizing yourself with the medications through medical journals and pharmaceutical resources. Attend virtual conferences and webinars on pediatric obesity management. Connect with endocrinologists in your area who prescribe these medications. Join professional groups focused on pediatric weight management. Consider pursuing the CDR Certificate of Training in Obesity as a foundation.

Will insurance cover nutritional counseling for children on GLP-1s?

Coverage varies by insurance plan, but many insurers now recognize nutrition counseling as an essential component of GLP-1 therapy. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) codes can often be used, especially with a referral from the prescribing physician. Document medical necessity clearly, and familiarize yourself with prior authorization processes for your area.

What’s the typical duration of GLP-1 treatment in pediatric patients?

Treatment duration varies significantly based on individual response, side effects, family preferences, and insurance coverage. Some patients may use these medications for months, while others continue for years. The goal is often to use the medication as a tool while establishing lifestyle changes, though some patients may need long-term therapy.

How do I address parents’ concerns about putting their child on weight loss medication?

Acknowledge their concerns as valid and important. Provide balanced information about risks and benefits. Emphasize that medication is one tool in a comprehensive approach. Share success stories (with permission) from other families. Explain your role in ensuring nutritional safety and offer to connect them with other healthcare team members for additional perspectives.

Resources and Next Steps

Professional Organizations

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group
• The Obesity Society – Pediatric Obesity Section
• American Academy of Pediatrics – Obesity guidelines and resources
• Pediatric Endocrine Society – GLP-1 position statements

Key Research and Guidelines

• AAP Clinical Practice Guideline for Obesity (2023)
• Pediatrics: “GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Pediatric and Adolescent Obesity” (2025)
• NEJM: Semaglutide in Adolescents with Obesity (2022)
• CMAJ: Canadian Pediatric Obesity Guidelines

Continuing Education Opportunities

• CDR Certificate of Training in Obesity for Pediatrics and Adults
• Board Certification in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP)
• Board Certification in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM)
• University-based certificate programs in pediatric weight management

Stay Current

• Set up PubMed alerts for “GLP-1 AND pediatric”
• Follow pediatric endocrinologists on social media
• Join the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group listserv
• Attend ObesityWeek for the latest research

🚀 Your Next Steps

1. Assess Your Current Knowledge: Take stock of what you know about GLP-1 medications and identify gaps
2. Choose Initial Training: Start with free resources like podcasts and webinars
3. Connect with Prescribers: Reach out to endocrinologists in your area
4. Consider Certification: Evaluate which credentials align with your career goals
5. Start Conversations: Talk to colleagues about their experiences with GLP-1 patients
6. Stay Informed: This field changes rapidly—commit to ongoing education

Ready to become a leader in pediatric GLP-1 nutrition counseling? The time to start is now. Your future patients are counting on you.

The Bottom Line: The GLP-1 revolution in pediatric weight management is here to stay. As a nutritionist, you have the opportunity—and increasingly, the responsibility—to ensure these powerful medications are used safely and effectively in young patients. With proper training and preparation, you can be at the forefront of this transformative approach to childhood obesity, making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.

The question isn’t whether you should prepare for the GLP-1 era in pediatric nutrition—it’s how quickly you can get started. The children who need your expertise are already walking through clinic doors. Will you be ready to meet them?

Part 1 – Pediatric Weight Management Nutrition Specialist Degree Focus and Certification