Metabolic HealthGLP-1 Drugs Show Real Promise for Obese Kids and Teens With Type 2 Diabetes
Childhood obesity and youth-onset type 2 diabetes are rising sharply, yet treatment options beyond lifestyle changes and metformin remain limited. This systematic review examined how well GLP-1 receptor agonists — drugs like semaglutide and liraglutide — work in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17. Pooling data from seven randomized controlled trials and six meta-analyses involving 901 young patients, researchers found semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly produced the greatest BMI reductions in obese teens. Liraglutide improved BMI in both adolescents and younger children. For youth with type 2 diabetes, liraglutide and dulaglutide significantly lowered HbA1c versus placebo. Side effects were mainly nausea and vomiting, which were transient. Importantly, no harm to normal growth or puberty was detected, though longer-term safety data are still needed.
