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Pharmacotherapy and weight-loss supplements for treatment of paediatric obesity

Alexander L Rogovik1, Jean-Pierre Chanoine, Ran D Goldman

  • 1Pediatric Research in Emergency Therapeutics Program, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, and The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Drugs
|February 20, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is a common pediatric disorder. While lifestyle changes are key, medications like orlistat and supplements like glucomannan may aid weight loss in adolescents.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Public Health
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is the most prevalent pediatric disorder globally.
  • Current lifestyle interventions (diet, activity, behavior) show insufficient outcomes.
  • Adjuvant pharmacotherapy is being explored for pediatric obesity management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current treatment options for childhood obesity.
  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy and supplements.
  • To emphasize the primary role of lifestyle modification.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of obesity treatments in adolescents.
  • Analysis of approved and experimental pharmacotherapies.
  • Assessment of weight-loss supplements and their supporting data.

Main Results:

  • Orlistat is the only FDA-approved drug for adolescent obesity.
  • Metformin requires further study; sibutramine has safety concerns.
  • Weight-loss supplements lack sufficient evidence; fiber supplements show promise.
  • Lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone of obesity treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Comprehensive treatment is necessary for childhood obesity.
  • Orlistat is an option for adolescents, but lifestyle changes are paramount.
  • Further research is needed for other pharmacological agents and supplements.

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