New research presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain, indicates that weight-loss injections are effective for severely obese children, not only helping them shed weight but also reducing conflicts around mealtimes.
The study found that GLP-1 receptor agonists, medications that work by reducing food cravings, helped obese youngsters lose weight when added to existing diet and lifestyle intervention programs.
Dr. Annika Janson from Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden, who presented the findings, noted: "GLP-1 drugs are increasingly used to treat obesity in adults. They can also be used in children from the age of 12, and clinical trials have shown children lose 5-16% of their body weight after a year of treatment."
Study Details and Findings
The research involved 1,126 children up to age 16 with severe obesity who were receiving intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment at the National Childhood Obesity Centre in Stockholm. The comprehensive program worked with children, families, and schools to address healthy foods, meal size, meal order, screen time, exercise, and psychological wellbeing.
Beginning in 2023, researchers incorporated GLP-1 receptor agonists into the treatment regimen for approximately one in four patients, initially using liraglutide and later transitioning to semaglutide (Wegovy).
Results showed that about 30% of children receiving liraglutide lost enough weight to improve their health, compared to 27% of those treated earlier without the medication. While the difference appears modest, researchers noted a positive trend, with even better results observed with semaglutide.
"Only a fraction of the children had GLP-1 drugs, and most of those who did started on them six to 12 months into the treatment programme. Longer-term treatment may lead to greater improvements in BMI," Dr. Janson explained.
Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
Particularly noteworthy were the qualitative improvements in family dynamics and children's relationship with food.
"Many children with severe obesity describe hunger and a strong appetite – both of which GLP-1 receptor agonists are known to help with," said Dr. Janson. "Results beyond obesity are also important. The families reported reduced conflicts around food and improved capacity for other lifestyle adaptations."
These improvements included easier adherence to meals, limited snacking, and the ability to reduce portion sizes. Dr. Janson emphasized that for some children, "not being hungry all the time is a new feeling."
Regulatory Status and Availability
Currently, weight-loss injections are available on the NHS for adults with high body mass index (BMI) or through private providers. For children, the situation is more complex.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) halted its appraisal of semaglutide for use in 12 to 17-year-olds after manufacturer Novo Nordisk indicated it could not provide sufficient evidence for submission. The company cited a "lack of utility data and risk equations in linking weight loss in adolescents to long-term outcomes" as the reason.
Despite this regulatory gap, specialist pediatric clinics can prescribe weight-loss injections in cases of proven clinical need.
Side Effects and Considerations
Healthcare providers and families considering these medications should be aware of potential side effects, which include nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vision problems.
The Growing Childhood Obesity Crisis
The research comes amid growing concern about childhood obesity rates. A report by the Food Foundation last year revealed that obesity among 10 to 11-year-olds in the UK has increased by 30% since 2006, with one in five children classified as obese by the time they leave primary school.
Dr. Janson concluded: "GLP-1 receptor agonists are clearly beneficial to many children with severe obesity and, while they won't help in all cases, more children should have access to these important medications."
Future Outlook
While Novo Nordisk currently has no plans to submit evidence for NICE approval of semaglutide and liraglutide for young people aged 12 to 17, the company stated it will "continue to evaluate our evidence package in consideration of supporting any potential future submission for this patient group."
As childhood obesity rates continue to rise globally, the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists represents a promising addition to comprehensive treatment approaches that include dietary, lifestyle, and behavioral interventions.
