GLP-1s Show Promise in Treating Childhood Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
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A new meta-analysis published September 15, 2025, reveals that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) substantially improve glycemic control, promote weight loss, and enhance cardiometabolic health in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes (T2D) or obesity. The research, encompassing data from 18 clinical trials, offers a hopeful outlook for a growing health crisis.
Safety Considerations
The study carefully assessed the safety profile of GLP-1s, monitoring for potential adverse events. Key areas of focus included infections, hepatobiliary disorders, hypoglycemia, and adverse event-related discontinuations. The assessment of suicidal ideation and behaviors utilized the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating scale (C-SSRS), categorizing responses into suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, and self-injury without intent; however, for the purposes of this analysis, these categories where combined.
Significant Improvements in Key Health Markers
The results demonstrated a significant reduction in HbA1c by 44% and a decrease in fasting glucose levels by 9.92 mg/dL among patients treated with GLP-1s. Furthermore, participants experienced positive weight-related outcomes, with an average decrease of 3.02 kg in body weight and a reduction in BMI of 1.45, alongside a decrease in systolic blood pressure.
Notably, gastrointestinal adverse effects were the most commonly reported side affect among those using GLP-1s. However, the analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in other adverse events, including suicidal ideation or behaviors, between the GLP-1 and placebo groups.
Future Research Directions
“Too build on these findings, future clinical trials and real-world studies could assess treatment adherence with respect to patient preferences and their effect on safety and efficacy/effectiveness outcomes,” the authors stated in their study. They also emphasized the importance of longer-term follow-up in future research to fully understand the lasting effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in children and adolescents.
References
- Kotecha P, Huang W, Yeh Y, et al. Efficacy and safety of GLP-1 RAs in Children and Adolescents With Obesity or Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Pediatr. Published online September 15, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.3243
- Efficacy and safety of GLP-1 RAs in children and adolescents with obesity or type 2 diabetes. EurekAlert! News release. September 15, 2025. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1098075
Rising Rates of Childhood Obesity and T2D
Childhood obesity is a pressing public health concern, currently affecting approximately 1 in 5 children and adolescents under 18 years of age, with rates steadily increasing alongside the prevalence of T2D.Historically, treatment options for T2D in young people were limited to metformin and insulin. However, the landscape shifted in 2019 with the FDA’s approval of several GLP-1s for this patient population.
These approved medications include liraglutide (Victoza; Novo Nordisk), semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy; Novo Nordisk), dulaglutide (Trulicity; Eli lilly and Company), and extended-release exenatide (Bydureon BCise; amylin Pharmaceuticals). The approval of these drugs, coupled with updated pediatric guidelines, has lead to a significant increase in GLP-1 use for both T2D and obesity in children and adolescents between 2020 and 2023. Researchers are also currently investigating tirzepatide
