Kids are always watching. What parents on GLP-1s should consider about their body changes - CNN
Experts advise parents taking GLP-1 weight-loss medications to be transparent with their children to avoid fostering unhealthy body image perceptions. Open communication is recommended to prevent children from misinterpreting parental weight loss or dietary changes.
Why it matters
As GLP-1 usage grows, parents are navigating how to manage their health without inadvertently promoting diet culture or eating disorders in their children.
As a coach helping families navigate diet culture and eating disorders, I have started hearing from parents who are among the 11% of Americans currently taking a GLP-1 medication. They worry about how changes to their bodies or eating habits might affect their children. Caitlin, a mother in Los Angeles, was hesitant to start taking a GLP-1 for an autoimmune condition because she did not want to co-sign the thin ideal used in weight-loss drug marketing. She requested we not use her real name out of privacy concerns. “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.” Some popular advice suggests parents on appetite-suppressing medication simply not talk about it or offer vague statements about taking care of their health.
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