Obese children may soon have access to weight-loss jabs that can help them lose pounds and reduce battles around mealtimes. The drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, work by reducing food cravings and are already available on the NHS for adults with a high body mass index (BMI) or through private providers.
Current Limitations
- The use of these drugs in children is limited due to:
- Regulatory hurdles
- Lack of evidence supporting their use among minors
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) halted its appraisal of semaglutide (Wegovy) for use in 12 to 17-year-olds after the manufacturer was unable to provide sufficient evidence.
Prescribing in Special Cases
Despite the setback, specialist pediatric clinics can still prescribe weight-loss injections in certain cases where there is a proven clinical need. Dr. Annika Janson from Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden stated at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain, that GLP-1 drugs can be used in children from the age of 12.
Study Findings
GLP-1 drugs have demonstrated significant weight loss over a year-long period. A study published last year involved obese adolescents aged 12 to 18 years who had not responded adequately to lifestyle interventions alone. Participants were given either semaglutide or placebo injections weekly.
Key Results
- Those who received semaglutide lost an average of nearly three times as much body fat compared to those who received placebo injections.
- Dr. Janson remarked, "The results suggest that GLP-1 drugs could be effective at helping obese adolescents lose weight."
- However, she cautioned that these findings are based on small studies, indicating a need for more research to determine long-term safety and effectiveness.
Ongoing Challenges
Researchers noted that while these medications show promise for obese children struggling with their weight, access remains restricted due to:
- Regulatory hurdles
- Lack of evidence supporting their use among minors
Dr. David Haslam from Imperial College London emphasized, "While these findings hold promise, the fact remains that there is currently no licensed treatment available specifically approved by Nice or other health authorities worldwide for obesity treatment beyond dieting advice alone."
He concluded, "We need further research into how best to support young people struggling with obesity before any new treatments become widely available."
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