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Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists lower weight in obese adults, and one such drug (liraglutide) also is U.S. FDA approved for adolescents. Now, in an industry-sponsored trial, 201 adolescents (age range, 12–17) with body-mass index (BMI) ≥95th percentile (mean BMI, 37 kg/m2) were randomized to receive weekly injections of the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide or placebo for 68 weeks, along with behavioral lifestyle therapy.
Mean changes in BMI at 68 weeks were −16.1% in the semaglutide group and +0.6% in the placebo group. The semaglutide group also had reductions in cardiometabolic risk factors, including weight, waist circumference, glycosylated hemoglobin level, and lipid levels. Gastrointestinal adverse effects classified as “non…