A new study has found that the weight loss drug liraglutide can significantly help children aged 6 to 12 who are struggling with obesity. This drug, which is already approved for teens and adults, shows promise for younger kids who often have limited options for effective weight loss.
Study Overview
- Participants: 82 children aged 6 to 12 with high BMI.
- Groups: 56 children received daily liraglutide injections, while the rest received a placebo.
- Additional Help: All children were encouraged to follow a healthy diet and engage in at least one hour of exercise daily.
Key Findings
- Children who took liraglutide saw their BMI drop by 5.8%.
- Children who received the placebo saw their BMI increase by 1.6%.
- Some kids experienced mild side effects like nausea and diarrhea, but these symptoms decreased over time.
Why This Matters
- Childhood obesity affects 1 in 5 children in the U.S.
- Obesity can lead to long-term health problems, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Liver and kidney issues
- Early puberty
- Higher risk of cancer later in life
How Liraglutide Works
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a type of drug that helps control appetite. It has already been used successfully for weight loss in adults and teens, and this study shows it could also benefit younger children.
Expert Insights
- Dr. Claudia Fox, a lead researcher, was surprised by how well the younger children responded to liraglutide. She believes starting treatment at an earlier age might lead to better long-term results.
- Dr. Simon Cork, who wasn’t involved in the study, says the results are encouraging but stresses the need for more research to monitor potential long-term effects.
Challenges
- After the study ended and the children stopped taking the drug, their BMI increased again. However, the increase wasn’t as dramatic as it was in teens from previous studies.
- The study didn’t explore how long children should stay on the drug or its potential long-term effects.
Conclusion
Liraglutide shows great potential as a treatment for obesity in younger children. While diet and exercise remain important, this drug could offer a new way to help children achieve significant weight loss and reduce the long-term health risks associated with obesity.