There’s no question that GLP-1 medications have helped millions of people struggling to lose weight. Of course, the drugs don’t come without controversy or concern. But many will tell you they’re worth the potential side effects and high price tag. As with any medication, it’s crucial to take only the recommended dose of a GLP-1 and keep it out of reach of children. Indiana mom Melissa Milender is particularly passionate about protecting kids from GLP-1 after her 7-year-old nearly died of an overdose in late 2024. It’s an important story that everyone needs to hear.
Jessa Milender told WHAS-11 she didn’t really understand what the medication was for, but thought her mom took it for stomachaches. She injected herself with about 60% of her mom’s GLP-1 injector pen.
“I thought it was stomach medicine,” Jessa, who is now 8, said of the late 2024 incident.
But instead of relieving an upset stomach, Jessa became extremely ill. Her mom called poison control immediately for help. Milender and Jessa ended up at the emergency room, where she received treatment for vomiting and dehydration. Little did the family know, this was just the beginning.
The hospital hooked Jessa up to IV fluids, and as her condition improved, they let her leave.
“I should have never let them discharge her,” her mom told WHAS-11. “She was thirsty. That’s the only thing that she wanted to do was drink water, but then she would throw it up.”
Milender recalled Jessa getting so weak that she had to carry her to the bathroom. They went back to the hospital as Jessa’s condition worsened, and she stopped urinating. Her mother feared for her baby girl’s life.
“I try not to think about the what if,” Milender said. “God protected us from the worst, and I firmly believe that. I think it could have been a lot worse.”
She told WHAS-11 she now keeps her GLP-1 locked up where Jessa can’t get to it.
The family’s story sparked significant doubt in the TV station’s YouTube comments section.
“How does a 7 year old ‘accidently’ take an injection?” someone asked. “I don’t know may kids who want shots let alone do it themselves. No, I don’t believe that story at all. Mom will sue, saying that it should have been kid proof and to have warnings on it. She won’t take responsibility for giving it to her kid. Maybe mom has some sort of fat phobia she transferring to her kid. Either way, do better mom.”
“Yeah I highly doubt the little girl injected herself unless the little girl has sereve body issues and thought the med would make her skinny,” another person agreed. “I hope the cops investigate this case!!”
We can’t disagree that a child injecting themselves intentionally doesn’t seem likely, but that’s not to say it didn’t happen. We appreciate this mom speaking out. If it helps one family avoid tragedy, she’s done something great.
