Clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and healthcare utilization among children, adolescents, and young adults with obesity in the United States

Obesity in children, adolescents, and young adults is associated with the early development of several obesity-related complications (ORCs) 1 . This study aimed to assess the real-world clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and healthcare costs, and resource utilization among children, adolescents, and young adults with obesity in the United States between 2019 and 2024. A retrospective, observational analysis was conducted using Optum’s de-identified Market Clarity data (Optum® Market Clarity) between January 2019 and December 2024. Eligible individuals included 6 to 25-year-olds with an obesity diagnosis or BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 , or BMI ≥95 th percentile for age and gender (6–17-year-olds), who had ≥12 months of continuous medical and pharmacy enrolment. Most individuals included in this study had either Commercial or Medicaid insurance. The population was further stratified by age: children (6–11 years), adolescents (12–17 years), and young adults (18–25 years). All analyses conducted were descriptive in nature. The mean ages for children, adolescents, and young adults were 9, 15, and 22 years, respectively. Across all years, a higher proportion of young adults were female compared to adolescents and children. Asthma was reported as one of the most prevalent ORCs across age groups (2024 data: children: 18.2%; adolescents: 14.2%; young adults: 12.9%). Overall, 303 (2.9%) adolescents (mean BMI 38.0 kg/m 2 ) and 1,926 (8.5%) young adults (mean BMI 38.4 kg/m 2 ) had a prescription for an obesity management medication (OMM) in 2024, predominantly glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (not approved for use in children). Compared to OMM non-users, adolescents and young adults prescribed OMMs had a higher prevalence of ORCs and incurred greater healthcare costs. The study findings reveal limited use of OMMs among children, adolescents, and young adults in the US, underscoring the need for a prevention-focused, chronic treatment model tailored to this population.