The ethics of Wegovy: promoting autonomy in pediatric care

Semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) that has attracted significant global attention for its appetite-suppressing and weight-loss effects. Approved for pediatric use in children aged 12 and older, Wegovy has been described as a "miracle drug" and hailed as a potential solution to the so-called "obesity epidemic." However, prescribing medication to children raises complex ethical questions, including how best to respect young patients' autonomy and promote their well-being. This paper focuses on one such concern: the "argument from virtue." According to this view, Wegovy represents a morally problematic approach to weight loss because it circumvents the development of character traits-such as self-control and resilience-that are seen as integral to autonomy. We critically examine this argument, rejecting the claim that there is a single morally "right way" to lose weight, and argue that Wegovy, when prescribed within a supportive framework, may help children build and exercise autonomy. We review the drug's function and efficacy, analyze how it might promote or hinder autonomy, and offer recommendations to support ethical prescribing practices that align with respect for children's agency.