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Semaglutide treatment for children with obesity: an observational study

Elizabeth-Jane van Boxel1, Saqib Rahman2, Karen Lai3

  • 1Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK elizabeth.vanboxel@uhs.nhs.uk.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|March 12, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Semaglutide effectively reduced weight and BMI in children with obesity and comorbidities. Mild gastrointestinal side effects were noted, with a few discontinuing treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Obesity Medicine
  • Pharmacological Interventions

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern.
  • Comorbidities like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are common in pediatric obesity.
  • Effective weight management strategies are crucial for long-term health outcomes in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of semaglutide for weight loss in pediatric patients with obesity.
  • To assess the impact of semaglutide on body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) and overall body weight.
  • To identify and report any adverse events associated with semaglutide treatment in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective observational study included 50 children (aged 10-18) with obesity (BMI SDS >2) and comorbidities.
  • Patients received once-weekly injectable semaglutide (1 mg) alongside dietary and lifestyle advice.
  • Primary outcomes included changes in weight, BMI SDS, and percentage body weight over 6 and 12 months.

Main Results:

  • After 6 months, significant reductions were observed in BMI SDS (0.32±0.27) and body weight (7.03±7.50 kg), with a mean weight loss of 6.4±6.3%.
  • At 12 months, further significant decreases in BMI SDS (0.54±0.52) and body weight (9.7±10.8 kg) were noted, with 8.9±10.0% total weight loss.
  • Mild gastrointestinal side effects were common; five patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events, and one developed gallstones.

Conclusions:

  • Semaglutide demonstrates efficacy as a weight loss adjunct in children with obesity and comorbidities.
  • The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with manageable side effects in a multidisciplinary setting.
  • Semaglutide represents a promising therapeutic option for pediatric weight management programs.
Abstract

Keywords:
Child HealthEndocrinologyObesity

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