Brazil's Hospital da Criança de Brasília adopts liraglutide for adolescent obesity treatment

The Hospital da Criança de Brasília José Alencar (HCB) monitors children and teenagers with obesity, focusing on patients over 11 years old who weigh more than 60 kg and have comorbidities. In selected cases the hospital prescribes liraglutide, a GLP‑1 analogue approved by Brazil's Ministry of Health for patients aged 12 and up.

Liraglutide is supplied through the specialized High‑Cost Pharmacy and requires an endocrinologist’s prescription and lab‑test verification. Treatment starts with a low dose to limit side effects such as nausea or reflux, and doses are adjusted under close supervision. Weight loss is tracked; if the expected reduction is not achieved, the medication may be stopped and alternative approaches pursued. The program is multidisciplinary, involving endocrinology, nutrition, psychology and gastroenterology to address the chronic nature of obesity and its emotional impact.

One patient, 17‑year‑old Sthefany Lopes, began liraglutide in March after diet and exercise failed to produce results. Her family reports better adherence to dietary and activity guidelines since starting the drug, though the hospital stresses that liraglutide is not a cure and long‑term lifestyle changes remain essential.