In a shocking new report, NBC News is pushing pharmaceutical drugs as a “solution” for childhood obesity.
The report claims that weight loss injectables are safe for children as young as 12 years old. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this so-called news report is nothing more than an infomercial for Big Pharma.
NBC correspondent Vicky Nguyen starts off the report by citing the alarming statistic that over 20% of 12 to 19-year-olds in America are considered obese. This sets the stage for the promotion of weight loss drugs as the answer to this growing problem.
Even more concerning is the fact that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is cited as an authority in this report. This is the same AAP that has been pushing the dangerous and controversial practice of “gender-affirming care” for children.
The real conflict of interest in this report is revealed when Dr. Amanda Velazquez, the Director of Obesity Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, is introduced as a PAID consultant for weight loss drug makers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. As if that’s not enough, she goes on to say that it’s about “education for the family” and not just about “appearances.”
“I think there is a lot of perception about using the medication for really appearances. That’s not what we’re here to do. What we’re here to do is to help your patient, a 12-year-old be healthy,” Velazquez said.
But is she considering the long-term effects of these drugs on the developing bodies of children?
The biggest red flag in this report is the complete lack of opposing viewpoints. No doctor is brought in to explain the potential risks and side effects of these drugs, or how they may affect children differently. It’s as if there is only one side to this story – the pharmaceutical side.
And let’s not forget the elephant in the room – the standard American diet. Ultra-processed foods loaded with unhealthy additives like seed oils, food colorings, and sugar are a major contributor to childhood obesity. But of course, that would be harmful to Big Pharma’s bottom line.
It’s no coincidence that a significant number of the ads that air during these network evening newscasts are for pharmaceutical products. It’s a perfect opportunity for them to push their drugs as the solution to our health problems, while conveniently ignoring the real root causes.
This so-called news report by NBC is nothing more than an infomercial for Big Pharma. Parents beware: don’t let the shiny packaging and promises of easy weight loss fool you. The health of our children should not be placed in the hands of those with a profit motive. Let’s focus on improving our children’s diets and promoting healthy habits, not turning to drugs as a quick fix.
