As GLP-1 medications become increasingly common in the United States, some parents are questioning how changes in their appetite, eating habits and body size may influence their children. Experts say honest, age-appropriate conversations can help families avoid reinforcing diet culture, weight stigma or unhealthy relationships with food.
An estimated 11% of Americans currently take a GLP-1 medication. These drugs may be prescribed for diabetes, chronic health conditions or weight management, but their appetite-suppressing effects can be noticeable to children.
Caitlin, a Los Angeles mother who requested that her real name not be used for privacy reasons, initially hesitated to begin a GLP-1 medication for an autoimmune condition. She worried that taking the drug could appear to endorse the thin-body ideal frequently associated with weight-loss marketing.
“I was concerned about bringing diet culture into my home. I don’t want to accidentally teach my daughter that being smaller equals being better or more valuable.”
Why Parents Should Discuss GLP-1 Use With Children
Some guidance encourages parents to avoid discussing appetite-suppressing medications or to offer only general explanations about improving their health. Although intended to protect children, experts warn that silence may create confusion.
Children who observe a parent eating very small portions, skipping meals or losing weight may attempt to imitate those behaviors. In some cases, that could contribute to disordered eating or negative beliefs about food and body size.
“Kids are going to make up their own ideas of what’s happening if we’re not actually addressing it,” said Nicole Cruz, a registered dietitian in Southern California who specializes in family nutrition. “They’re absorbing it, they’re seeing it, they’re seeing a shrinking body, they’re seeing you eat less.”
Keeping GLP-1 use secret may also reinforce shame surrounding medication.
“Allow it to be speakable,” advised Zoë Bisbing, a body image therapist in New York City. “If your child asks you, or they find syringes in the fridge, it’s like, ‘Oh yeah, that’s the medicine I’m taking. Do you want to hear why I take it?’ I think it’s OK to talk about it.”
Using Clear, Age-Appropriate Explanations
Jessie Spence, a therapist in Greensboro, North Carolina, who uses they/their pronouns, takes a GLP-1 medication to manage blood sugar. Spence initially worried the decision might conflict with their body-affirming parenting approach, “fat-friendly roots” and weight-inclusive work with clients.
They ultimately chose to discuss the medication openly with their child.
“I have just been really straightforward; this is medication for diabetes,” Spence said. “I wanted to be really intentional about not hiding it. Initially, I did lose weight, and then over a year or so, I gained it all back, because my body likes to be where it is.”
According to an April study, half of parents taking weight-loss medications are already speaking openly with their children about their treatment.
However, the language used in those discussions matters. Many adults with difficult relationships with food or body image recall watching parents and other role models diet during childhood. Parents taking GLP-1s can help prevent that cycle by avoiding moral judgments about food and refusing to link personal value with weight.
Focus on Health Effects Instead of Appearance
Although weight loss was not Caitlin’s goal, she carefully explained why the medication affected her nutritional needs.
She told her daughter, “‘I’m doing this so that I’m in less pain. And because I’m doing this, it’s had some impact on what I’m supposed to eat.’ But I really framed it as the truth of it, which is that I am eating more protein because I am on this medication, not ‘I’m trying to get shredded’ or ‘I’m trying to change what I look like.’”
This approach centers the conversation on managing symptoms and supporting the body rather than pursuing a particular appearance.
How to Talk About GLP-1 Medications Neutrally
For parents seeking a straightforward explanation, Bisbing recommended describing medication side effects without labeling weight loss as inherently positive.
“I take medicines for lots of different reasons. This one happens to have a weight-loss side effect. Some medicines have weight-gain side effects.”
Parents using GLP-1 medication primarily for weight loss can still protect their children’s body image. Nikki Naab-Levy, a strength and nutrition coach in Tacoma, Washington, who takes a GLP-1 for a chronic condition, encouraged families to avoid portraying certain foods or body types as bad.
“If they offer you a bite of their ice cream sandwich, and if you’re like, ‘Thank you,’ and you take a bite, that’s going to have a very different impact than if you say something like, ‘Oh, no, Mommy can’t have that’ and then comment on your body size.”
Open communication, neutral language and an emphasis on health rather than appearance can help children understand GLP-1 treatment without absorbing harmful messages. By avoiding secrecy, food restrictions and negative body commentary, parents can support both their medical needs and their children’s long-term relationship with food.
Abigail Prescott is a contributor to Campuslately.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging trends. With a reader-first approach, Abigail highlights stories that matter, providing balanced coverage and accessible insights on issues relevant to everyday audiences.
