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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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More Kids Take Grown-up Drugs in Obesity Fight

Critics say it's a poor substitute for good diet and exercise

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(Newser) – Doctors are prescribing drugs to more and more children to treat conditions related to obesity, the New York Times reports. Data released by pharmacy plans show that medication for Type 2 diabetes has seen the biggest increase—151% from 2001 to last year. And this month, a pediatricians group recommended cholesterol-lowering drugs for kids as young as 8.

Some experts wonder whether meds are stepping in for diet and exercise. But says one doctor: “Since lifestyle is so difficult, we have no other choice but to go to pharmacotherapy.” And there’s now so much of a market that drug-makers are working on kid versions of adult drugs. One is developing a statin that will come in a child-friendly flavor.

In this Fen. 28, 2006 file photo, bottles of prescription medications move along a production line at Medco Health Solution, Inc.'s Willingboro Dispensing Pharmacy in Willingboro, N.J.
In this Fen. 28, 2006 file photo, bottles of prescription medications move along a production line at Medco Health Solution, Inc.'s Willingboro Dispensing Pharmacy in Willingboro, N.J.   (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Kids line up to play in a game of kickball during a program at Children's Medical Center in Dallas to help families with overweight children get healthier, Tuesday, March 6, 2007.
Kids line up to play in a game of kickball during a program at Children's Medical Center in Dallas to help families with overweight children get healthier, Tuesday, March 6, 2007.   (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Students in West Virginia eat lunch at school last year. Many school administrators are sneaking nutrition into school lunches in an effort to combat the nation's growing childhood obesity problem.
Students in West Virginia eat lunch at school last year. Many school administrators are sneaking nutrition into school lunches in an effort to combat the nation's growing childhood obesity problem.   (AP Photo/Jeff Gentner)
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