GLP1-RA and Pediatric Populations: Psychosocial Issues and Eating Disorder Treatment Approaches for Co-Morbid Obesity and Eating Disorders
摘要
The impact of GLP1 receptor agonist (GLP1-RA) medications on eating disorders is not established in large scale clinical trials with adult or pediatric populations. Whether GLP1-RA improve or worsen eating disorders is an important clinical question. This review integrates emerging evidence and clinical experience to offer guidance for pediatric GLP1-RA prescribing in the context of observed eating disorders or suspected eating disorders. We provide a review of the controversy around prescribing GLP1-RA to children and adolescents, outline existing research on GLP1-RA and eating disorders with adults, review clinical experience with pediatric populations with comorbid eating disorders and obesity treated with GLP1-RA, and provide initial guidance to providers prescribing GLP1-RA in the absence of established research studies.
Recent FindingsMany children and adolescents will likely benefit from GLP1-RA treatment for Binge Eating Disorder, Night Eating Syndrome, and Other Specified Eating or Feeding Disorder. However, GLP1-RA may have iatrogenic effects with respect to Atypical Anorexia, Bulimia Nervosa, and ARFID.
SummaryEarly data and clinical experience indicate that GLP1-RA are beneficial for some pediatric patients with co-morbid obesity and eating disorders. However, some types of eating disorders could worsen with GLP1-RA and require monitoring and treatment by registered dietitian and/or behavioral health providers who specialize in eating disorders, with appropriate referrals to higher levels of care for disordered eating.