The Rising Trend of Weight-Loss Injections for Children in the UAE
In the UAE, a growing number of parents are approaching doctors to inquire about weight-loss injections for their children, driven by the widespread buzz surrounding GLP-1 medications. However, paediatric experts emphasize that these drugs are not "magic pills" or quick fixes for weight management. Specialists like Dr. Reham Ghanim warn that such medications are serious clinical interventions reserved for carefully screened casesâtypically when obesity is linked to underlying health issues like insulin resistance or fatty liver diseaseâand only after traditional lifestyle modifications have proven insufficient.
For teenagers like 14-year-old Bera Ayaz, these medications serve as just one component of a much larger, life-altering transformation. Bera, who lost 40kg by combining medical support with a strictly controlled diet and consistent exercise, notes that while the drug helped, the real progress came from changing his daily habits. His experience also highlights the complexities of the treatment, including potential side effects like nausea and the psychological struggle of body dysmorphia. Doctors reiterate that these treatments require long-term commitment and medical supervision to prevent weight regain, stressing that sustainable health is ultimately built on a foundation of family support, proper nutrition, and regular physical activity.