Health Innovations: Weight Loss Drugs for Children
Health Innovations in Weight Loss Drugs
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk's Saxenda has emerged as a promising weight loss drug for children aged six to eleven. According to recent trial results released on Tuesday, children receiving daily injections of Saxenda achieved an impressive average BMI reduction of 5.8% over the 56-week trial. In comparison to the placebo group, these children experienced a 7.4% decrease in BMI.
Understanding BMI
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a commonly used metric for assessing fitness based on height and weight, yet it is often viewed as an inaccurate gauge of overall health.
FDA Approval Journey
- No FDA-approved medications currently exist for children with obesity.
- The FDA approved Saxenda, which contains the chemical name liraglutide, for teenagers in 2020 and adults in 2014.
- According to the company’s head of development, Novo will pursue FDA approval for this drug for younger children.
With the increasing focus on childhood obesity, this breakthrough could mark a significant shift in healthcare strategies addressing weight management in pediatric populations.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.