Diet Pills For Kids

Key points
- Europe is considering prescribing Xenical (Orlistat) to children as young as 12.
- As orlistat still does not have an official licence for use in adolescents, it will be up to doctors' discretion to decide who to prescribe it for, said a spokeswoman from Roche.
- I think that much of childhood weight issues are due to a sedentary culture.
- We don't need to begin a culture of pill-popping at this impressionable age.
Europe is considering prescribing Xenical (Orlistat) to children as young as 12. Pharmaceutical company Roche is citing new studies showing that Xenical can help 12-16 year olds lose weight.
As orlistat still does not have an official licence for use in adolescents, it will be up to doctors' discretion to decide who to prescribe it for, said a spokeswoman from Roche.
Enough already drug companies. I think that much of childhood weight issues are due to a sedentary culture. Most people of an older generation can remember getting plenty of exercise as part of a normal lifestyle.
We don't need to begin a culture of pill-popping at this impressionable age. How on earth does that teach responsibility? Then of course there are the unpleasant side effects of Xenical. This drug is already available over-the-counter in some countries.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
Explore health topics
More in this topic
Weight & Nutrition →
NewsMom's exercise habits good for blood pressure in kids
It's been well established among doctors and researchers alike, that babies with lower birth weight have a greater risk of having high blood pressure later in life. However, a Michigan State University study is the…
7 January 2015
NewsMen's diets are related to local offerings, unlike women's
Canadian men's eating habits are associated with the availability of healthy food sources in their residential neighbourhood but women's are not, according to researchers at the University of Montreal and its affiliated…
7 January 2015
NewsStudy suggests home cooking is a main ingredient in a healthier diet
People who frequently cook meals at home eat healthier and consume fewer calories than those who cook less, according to new Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health research. "When people cook most of their…



