Semaglutide treatment for children with obesity: an observational study

Objective To assess efficacy and tolerability of semaglutide as a weight loss treatment for children living with comorbid obesity. Design Retrospective observational study of the first 50 children from a weight management service treated with semaglutide for at least 6 months. Setting A tertiary paediatric multidisciplinary weight management clinic in a UK hospital. Patients Aged 10–18 years old with a body mass index (BMI) SD score (SDS) >2 with a weight-related comorbidity (including insulin resistance (defined as homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance >4), type 2 diabetes, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnoea or hypertension). Interventions Once-weekly injectable semaglutide titrated over 8 weeks to a final dose of 1 mg in addition to dietary and lifestyle advice. Main outcome measures Primary outcome measures were change in weight, BMI SDS and percentage body weight. Secondary outcomes were side effects and cessation of treatment. Results After 6 months of treatment, statistically significant decreases in BMI SDS (0.32±0.27, p<0.001) and body weight (7.03±7.50 kg, p<0.001) were seen. Mean percentage total weight loss was 6.4±6.3% (p<0.001). For the 14 patients for whom 12-month data were available, statistically significant decreases were seen in mean BMI SDS (0.54±0.52, p<0.001). Mean body weight decreased by 9.7±10.8 kg (p<0.001). Percentage total weight loss at 12 months was 8.9±10.0% (p<0.001). Mild gastrointestinal side effects were common. One patient developed gallstones. Five patients discontinued treatment due to side effects. Conclusion Semaglutide appears to be a safe and effective weight loss adjunct when used in a multidisciplinary weight management clinic.