Semaglutide Aids in Weight Loss and Heart Health in Teenagers

According to a new study, a drug called semaglutide, which is approved for adults who are obese or overweight, can also help adolescents lose weight and have healthier hearts.

Obesity drug helps teens lose weight

(Photo : Towfiqu barbhuiya/Unsplash)

In an international phase 3a clinical trial, adolescents with obesity who received once-weekly semaglutide versus placebo had a 16.1% decrease in BMI, while those who took a placebo had a 0.6% increase in BMI, as per ScienceDaily.

Semaglutide is an obesity medication that mimics the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 to target brain areas that reduce appetite and improve eating control.

This medication was in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults who are obese or overweight.

In a trial, researchers enrolled 201 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years with obesity or overweight across multiple centers to see if semaglutide is also effective in youths.

Throughout the trial, participants received either once-weekly subcutaneous injections of semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo, as well as concurrent lifestyle intervention (nutrition and physical activity counseling).

After 68 weeks, 72.5% of semaglutide participants had lost at least 5% of their body weight, compared to only 17% of placebo participants.

Obesity affects nearly one in every five children and adolescents globally.

This chronic disease is associated with a lower life expectancy and an increased risk of developing serious health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, and certain cancers.

Obese teenagers are also more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and other psychological issues.

When compared to the placebo group, semaglutide participants improved in cardiovascular risk factors such as waist circumference, a blood sugar metric known as HbA1c, total, low-density, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and liver enzymes.

However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in blood pressure or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

When compared to their placebo counterparts, participants who took semaglutide had the better weight-related quality of life measures, owing primarily to an increase in physical comfort scores.

According to the researchers, this is the first obesity drug to be linked to such quality-of-life improvements in adolescents.

Also Read: Eating White Bread Increases Obesity Risk

Why is this medication prescribed?

When other medications have failed to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, semaglutide injection (Ozempic) is used in conjunction with a diet and exercise program, as per Medline Plus.

Semaglutide injection (Ozempic) is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart or blood vessel disease.

It is not prescribed for the treatment of type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Semaglutide injection is not used to treat people with diabetes who require insulin.

Semaglutide injection (Wegovy) is used in conjunction with an individualized low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program to help overweight adults who also have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol lose weight.

Semaglutide injection belongs to a class of drugs known as incretin mimetics. When blood sugar levels are high, it helps the pancreas release the appropriate amount of insulin.

Insulin aids in the transport of sugar from the bloodstream to other body tissues where it is used for energy.

Semaglutide injection works by slowing the passage of food through the stomach, which can reduce appetite and cause weight loss.

Diabetes and high blood sugar levels can lead to serious or life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems over time.

Using medication(s), changing your lifestyle (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and checking your blood sugar on a regular basis may help you manage your diabetes and improve your health.

This therapy may also lower your risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems such as changes or loss of vision, or gum disease.

Your doctor and other healthcare providers will discuss the best way to manage your diabetes with you.