Adolescent WeightLoss
Semaglutide is FDA approved for children 12 years and older.
In 2022, the FDA approved semaglutide for children, with an initial body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for age and gender, because studies show that it is effective in helping obese adolescents lose weight and improve their cardiometabolic health. As with adults, the medication needs to be combined with a high-protein diet and resistance exercise.
The STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) TEENS trial found that adolescents who took semaglutide and made lifestyle changes experienced a 16% reduction in body mass index (BMI) over 68 weeks. 77% of patients in the trial saw a BMI reduction of at least 5%. The study was performed with the injectable form of semaglutide.
It is estimated that at least 20% adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 are obese and the percentage is increasing.
To qualify for using semaglutide the child has to be 12 years or older and have a BMI > 30 or be above the 95th % for their age, height and gender. They will need to adhere to a higher protein diet and do resistance exercise such as weight training to avoid losing muscle mass.