Current and forthcoming pharmacotherapies for adolescent obesity: Evidence-based review.
Semaglutide shows promise in reducing adolescent obesity, but more research is needed on newer treatments and long-term safety.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the cagrilintide (am833) corpusSummary and findings
This review examines the effectiveness of pharmacotherapies for adolescent obesity, focusing on glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists. It highlights semaglutide's ability to reduce body mass index by 16.1% in adolescents. The review notes the need for more data on CagriSema and Tirzepatide in this population.
Abstract
The prevalence of adolescent obesity has increased substantially in recent decades. This disease affects more than 20% of young people. Obesity is associated with metabolic disorders and heart disease. Conservative treatments are not effective in severe obesity. Therefore, this minireview aims to compare and clarify the effectiveness of treatments. It also seeks to identify areas requiring attention to guide clinical practice and future research. A literature search was conducted in databases including PubMed and Scopus. The study focused on randomised trials and meta-analyses in patients aged 12 to 18 years and lasting more than 12 weeks. The results show an improvement induced by glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide. Semaglutide reduces body mass index by 16.1%. It is more effective than liraglutide in improving insulin sensitivity. The use of these drugs faces challenges, such as cost. There are also social inequalities that affect health equity. Although no short-term safety issues have been reported, there is still little information available on Tirzepatide and CagriSema in adolescents, compared to their known effect on adults. Therefore, we conclude that semaglutide is the current gold standard, but that there is an urgent need for longer-term studies, comparative evaluations, and safety trials that include paediatric cohorts in order to ensure safe access to pharmacological innovations.
Background
Adolescent obesity is a growing concern, affecting over 20% of young people and contributing to metabolic disorders and heart disease. Traditional conservative treatments have proven ineffective for severe obesity, prompting the exploration of pharmacotherapies. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of current and emerging treatments, particularly focusing on glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists.
Methods
The review conducted a literature search across databases such as PubMed and Scopus, focusing on randomized trials and meta-analyses involving adolescents aged 12 to 18 years. Studies included had a duration of more than 12 weeks. The primary focus was on the effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in reducing body mass index and improving insulin sensitivity.
Results
The review found that semaglutide reduces body mass index by 16.1% in adolescents and is more effective than liraglutide in improving insulin sensitivity. Despite these findings, there is limited information on the effects of Tirzepatide and CagriSema in adolescents. The review also notes challenges such as cost and social inequalities affecting health equity.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that semaglutide is currently the most effective pharmacotherapy for adolescent obesity, but the clinical significance of this reduction in body mass index requires further investigation. The review highlights the need for more comprehensive data on newer treatments like CagriSema and Tirzepatide in adolescents. The lack of long-term safety data and the impact of social factors on treatment accessibility are significant limitations.
Key findings
- Adolescent obesity affects more than 20% of young people.
- Semaglutide reduces body mass index by 16.1%.
- Semaglutide is more effective than liraglutide in improving insulin sensitivity.
- No short-term safety issues reported for semaglutide.
- Little information available on Tirzepatide and CagriSema in adolescents.
Limitations
- Review lacks specific data on CagriSema and Tirzepatide in adolescents.
- Need for longer-term studies and safety trials in pediatric cohorts.
- Challenges include cost and social inequalities affecting health equity.