Promising Trial: Weight-Loss Injections for Obese Children as Young as Six

A recent study has revealed promising results for treating childhood obesity using weight-loss injections similar to Ozempic. The trial, conducted by experts at the University of Minnesota Medical School, focused on children aged 6 to 12 who were clinically obese.

The 56-week study involved 82 participants with an average age of 10 and a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 31. Claudia Fox, the lead author from the University's Centre for Pediatric Obesity Medicine, emphasized the importance of addressing childhood obesity, stating that if left untreated, it "almost universally persists into adulthood and is associated with significant ill health."

The trial utilized liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which works similarly to semaglutide found in Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications mimic hormones that make people feel fuller and reduce appetite. Participants received either liraglutide or a placebo, along with dietary advice and encouragement to exercise for at least 60 minutes daily.

Results showed a 7.4% difference in BMI change between the liraglutide and placebo groups. Children receiving liraglutide experienced a 5.8% decrease in BMI, while the placebo group saw a 1.6% increase. Nearly half of the children on liraglutide achieved a BMI reduction of at least 5%, compared to fewer than one in ten in the placebo group.

It's crucial to note that childhood obesity rates have tripled in the US since the 1970s, and the World Health Organization recognizes it as one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Currently, there is no medical treatment for pediatric obesity beyond lifestyle advice.

However, concerns about potential side effects remain. Simon Cork, a senior lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, cautioned that giving such drugs to children is complicated due to their active growth phase. Side effects reported in the trial included gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, some of which were deemed "serious."

The study's findings were presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. At the same event, results from a trial of a new weight-loss pill called Amycretin were also shared. This medication, developed by Novo Nordisk, showed promising results in adults, reducing body weight by 10.4% to 13.1% over 12 weeks.

As obesity can lead to various health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, these developments offer hope for more effective treatments. However, it's important to remember that lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, remain the primary approach for managing childhood obesity.

While these findings open up possibilities for future treatments, more research is needed to ensure the safety and long-term effectiveness of such medications, especially in growing children. The medical community continues to emphasize the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity in maintaining a healthy weight for both children and adults.