Semaglutide Helps 40% of Children Move Below Obesity Threshold in New Trial

A weekly semaglutide injection helped around 40% of children with obesity move below the clinical obesity threshold after 68 weeks, according to early results from Novo Nordisk's Phase 3 STEP Young clinical trial.

The study examined the effects of semaglutide in children aged between six and under 12 years who were living with obesity. The treatment was used alongside lifestyle changes, including a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

The early findings suggest that semaglutide could become an additional medical option for children with severe obesity, although detailed trial results and longer-term data are still awaited.

The STEP Young trial involved 165 children aged six to under 12 years. More than 85% of participants were living with Class II or Class III obesity.

Children in the treatment group received semaglutide through a once-weekly injection. Depending on their starting body weight, participants received a maximum dose of either 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg.

After 68 weeks of treatment, approximately two in five children receiving semaglutide were no longer classified as having obesity based on the study's criteria. None of the children in the placebo group achieved the same outcome.

The findings indicate that semaglutide may have a significant impact on weight and body mass index in some children with obesity when combined with broader lifestyle interventions.

The treatment was not studied as a replacement for healthy eating or physical activity. All participants receiving the medicine were also encouraged to follow dietary changes and increase their levels of physical activity.

This combined approach is important because childhood obesity treatment generally involves multiple factors, including nutrition, exercise, behavioural support and medical supervision where required.

Novo Nordisk said the overall safety and tolerability results were consistent with previous studies involving semaglutide. However, the complete data from the STEP Young trial has not yet been released.

The detailed findings are expected to be presented at The Obesity Society's annual meeting in Washington, DC, scheduled from November 14 to November 17.

Childhood obesity remains a major health concern because excess weight during childhood can continue into adulthood and may increase the risk of developing weight-related health problems at an earlier age.

The latest findings add to growing research into the use of medicines alongside lifestyle interventions for managing severe obesity. However, experts will need more detailed information to understand the treatment's full benefits, potential risks and long-term effects in younger children.

The STEP Young trial offers early evidence that semaglutide may help some children with obesity move below the clinical obesity threshold when used under medical supervision alongside dietary and physical activity changes. The final and detailed trial data will provide a clearer picture of how the treatment could fit into the future management of severe childhood obesity.