Body Composition Changes During GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Therapy in Pediatric Obesity: A Pilot Study
Bogdan Mihai Pascu1,2,3, Irina Bojoga4, Anca Bălănescu1,3
1Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 030167 Bucharest, Romania.
Metabolites
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) show promise for pediatric obesity, improving BMI and promoting fat loss while preserving lean mass. Further research is warranted.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Pharmacotherapy
Background:
- Pediatric obesity is a growing concern with limited effective long-term treatments.
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have demonstrated efficacy in adult weight management.
- Data on GLP-1 RA effects on body composition in pediatric obesity are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of GLP-1 RAs on body composition in children diagnosed with obesity.
- To assess changes in fat mass, lean mass, and Body Mass Index (BMI) Z-scores.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with obesity treated with semaglutide.
- Inclusion of patients with complete paired bioimpedance analysis and anthropometry data at baseline and after a median of 5 months.
- Statistical analysis using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to compare paired data.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in BMI Z-scores (CDC and WHO) and weight reduction were observed.
- A significant increase in predicted muscle mass percentage and fat-free mass percentage, indicating selective fat loss.
- Significant reduction in absolute and percentage fat mass, with stable fat-free mass index and no serious adverse events.
Conclusions:
- GLP-1 RA therapy in children with obesity led to significant BMI improvements and favorable body composition changes, characterized by selective fat loss.
- Findings suggest relative preservation of lean mass during weight reduction.
- These preliminary results support further investigation in larger, prospective controlled trials focusing on body composition outcomes.
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