Managing weight in children and adolescents is a significant challenge that requires effective tools. A large review of 41 clinical trials looked at how different medications work when added to standard lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise. The study included data from nearly 4,000 children and teenagers to see which treatments were most effective.
The analysis found that both semaglutide and phentermine-topiramate led to a reduction in the 95th BMI percentile, which is a measure used to track weight relative to age and height. Specifically, semaglutide showed a 20.40% reduction, while phentermine-topiramate showed a 18.35% reduction. Both drugs also increased the number of children reaching significant weight loss milestones.
While both medications were linked to weight management, phentermine-topiramate was noted for having favorable tolerability. Because these results come from a network meta-analysis of multiple trials, the evidence provides a broad look at these options. Talk to a doctor to see if these treatments are right for a child's specific needs.
