For parents of children struggling with obesity, finding effective treatments can be a challenge. Ozempic (semaglutide) has been in the news recently for its use by celebrities for weight management, but also it's supply issues in Australia. It is currently TGA approved for type 2 diabetes—not weight loss.
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine looked at the use of semaglutide specifically for weight loss in adolescents aged 12-18, and the results were quite promising. Let’s take a closer look.
The study included 201 adolescents aged 12-18 who were randomly assigned to two groups—131 participants were in the semaglutide group, where they received weekly injections plus lifestyle modifications, and 62 participants were in the control group receiving lifestyle changes alone. After 68 weeks, 73% of participants in the semaglutide group had lost more than 5% of their body weight compared to 18% of participants in the control group.
The results seem encouraging; however, there are some risks associated with using semaglutide that must be taken into consideration as well. Common gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting have been reported by 62% of participants taking semaglutide compared to 42% taking placebo pills during the trial period. It is also important to note that long-term effects are still unknown; this was only a 68-week study, so more research needs to be done before anything can be said definitively about its long-term efficacy as a treatment for obesity in adolescents.
On balance, it appears that semaglutide may indeed be an effective treatment option for adolescent weight loss when combined with lifestyle modifications like healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. However, due to possible side effects such as nausea and vomiting, it is important that parents consult with their child’s doctor before embarking on any kind of medical treatment regimen.
Nb: As a Paediatrician, I don't prescribe Semaglutide. If you would like to discuss the best way to manage your child's obesity, I would suggest Dr Rachana Dahiya at Paeds in a Pod.
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