A recent study reveals that Saxenda, a medication previously approved for obesity in adults and teens, is both safe and effective for children as young as 6 when used in conjunction with diet and exercise. This promising development could expand treatment options for young children struggling with obesity.
The research, presented at a recent medical conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlights the effectiveness of liraglutide—a drug marketed as Saxenda— in reducing body mass, slowing weight gain, and improving various health markers in children aged 6 to 11.
The study’s findings suggest that liraglutide could offer significant benefits for young children battling obesity. In response, Novo Nordisk, the drug’s manufacturer, has petitioned U.S. regulators to authorize the use of Saxenda for this younger age group. If the request is granted, it would make Saxenda the first medication approved to treat obesity in children aged 6 to 11, a demographic where over 20% are affected by obesity, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This study represents a significant step forward in addressing childhood obesity, offering hope for more effective treatment options for one of the most common health issues among young children.
