In December 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for children ages 10 years and older for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Doctors don’t prescribe it for children without diabetes, even if they are living with overweight or obesity.

Mounjaro is an injectable GLP-1 agonist medication designed to improve blood sugar regulation. It works by mimicking natural hormones that help the body release insulin.

Yes. In a 2025 study, Mounjaro significantly reduced body mass index (BMI) in children and adolescents. People taking the medication saw their BMI drop by roughly 7% to 11%, while those taking a placebo saw almost no change.

Because obesity is a major driver of type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends medications like Mounjaro when other treatments, like metformin, aren’t enough to manage blood sugar and weight.

Yes. Mounjaro is considered safe and effective for children ages 10 years and older.

However, like all medications, it comes with side effects. The most common issues are stomach-related, such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Clinical trials showed that children and teens taking tirzepatide experienced higher rates of vomiting and abdominal pain compared to adults.

Mounjaro also has a “boxed warning” because it causes thyroid tumors in rats. A boxed warning is the FDA’s most serious warning of adverse effects. It’s unclear whether this is a risk to humans, but people with a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers (like medullary thyroid carcinoma) shouldn’t take it.

What’s the dosage of Mounjaro for children?

The children’s dosing schedule for Mounjaro follows a “step-up” process to help the body adjust to the medication. Increases are made in 2.5 milligram (mg) increments, and a child must stay on the current dose for at least 4 weeks before moving to the next higher dose.

  • Starting dosage: 2.5 (mg) injected once weekly
  • After 4 weeks: 5 mg once weekly
  • Maximum dosage for children: 10 mg once weekly

Mounjaro is injected under your skin in the abdomen, thigh, or the back of the upper arm. You should inject it at a different spot each week to prevent skin problems. You can take it any time of day, with or without meals.

Read about how to administer Mounjaro.

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