Mother’s Controversial Choice: Daughter Takes Weight-Loss Medication

A mother’s decision to allow her 11-year-old daughter to take a weight-loss medication has sparked debate and concern. Ashley, a strategic account manager, supported her daughter Sophia’s use of Wegovy after witnessing the emotional toll of childhood obesity on her. The family’s journey highlights both the struggles of managing weight and the medical complexities involved in treating obesity in children.

In a harrowing moment, Ashley found Sophia doubled over in pain one night, claiming she felt like she was dying. This incident followed weeks of Sophia using Wegovy, a drug designed to aid weight loss. The pair rushed to the hospital, where they learned that the issue was constipation, a common side effect of the medication, rather than something more serious. This experience left Ashley questioning her decision to allow her daughter to use the drug.

Statistics reflect a growing concern about childhood obesity. In the UK, one in three children leaving primary school is overweight or obese, while in the United States, approximately 15.1 million children aged five to 14 fall into this category. Ashley understands these struggles all too well, having battled with her own weight since the age of 12.

Sophia’s weight gain became apparent in September 2022, when she expressed sadness over being bullied at school. Ashley recalls the pain of hearing her daughter called “fat” and felt powerless as history threatened to repeat itself. Despite efforts to encourage physical activity and healthier eating, Sophia’s weight continued to rise. Ashley, who herself has lost over 6 stone through weight-loss jabs, ultimately agreed to support Sophia in trying Wegovy.

After undergoing blood tests that revealed Sophia was pre-diabetic and insulin resistant, the family consulted an endocrinologist who prescribed the medication. Wegovy is approved in the United States for children aged 12 and older with a BMI over 27, while in the UK, it can be prescribed to children over 12 under specific conditions.

Ashley acknowledged the potential judgment from others regarding their choice, but felt compelled to seek a medical solution for Sophia’s condition. The decision was made amid rising public interest in weight-loss injections, which have shown promising results in clinical studies. Wegovy and Mounjaro, another medication, are leading options in the UK, and both act by suppressing appetite and improving insulin production.

Sophia began her treatment in June 2024, and within a week, she lost 4 pounds, expressing for the first time that she was not constantly thinking about food. Ashley ensured Sophia maintained a balanced diet to counteract the side effects. However, the night after her final dose, Sophia experienced severe discomfort, prompting another trip to the hospital.

Fortunately, doctors confirmed that the pain was not due to serious complications, allowing the family to breathe a sigh of relief. In the following weeks, Sophia regained her health and returned to school, showing renewed confidence as she posed for photographs.

Despite the positive outcomes, Ashley faced backlash on social media after sharing their story online. Critics labeled her a bad mother, claiming she chose an easy solution rather than addressing the problem through traditional methods. Still, Ashley firmly believes that her decision was the right one to prevent more severe health issues, including diabetes.

After maintaining her weight for several months, Sophia unexpectedly gained 18 pounds between March and June 2024. In August, she requested to restart Wegovy, and Ashley agreed, emphasizing the importance of ongoing support and monitoring of her daughter’s health.

Sophia is now on her sixth dose of the medication and has lost an additional 7 pounds. She expressed her goals for taking the medication: “My goal in taking weight loss medication is to be healthy, and thanks to my mum and doctors I was prepared for what it was like.” She encourages other parents to be open-minded and consider medical evaluations for their children who may be struggling with weight.

As discussions surrounding childhood obesity and the use of weight-loss medications continue, Ashley remains grateful for the options available to help her daughter lead a healthier life.