started · updated
Germany addresses childhood obesity with GLP-1 medications
In Germany, approximately two million children and adolescents are overweight, with 800,000 suffering from chronic obesity. To address this, GLP-1 receptor agonists are being utilized, though medical experts emphasize they should only supplement lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise.
Two specific medications are approved for minors: Semaglutide, administered weekly for those aged 12 and older, and Liraglutide, administered daily for those aged 6 and older under certain conditions. Medical guidelines suggest that drug therapy for extreme obesity should be considered in specialized centers following strict criteria.
Recent research presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology congress highlights potential side effects of these medications. A study indicates that GLP-1 users experience significantly higher rates of nail and hair issues. Specifically, 39 percent of users reported nail problems compared to 9 percent in control groups, and 50 percent reported unusual hair loss. Other observed issues include scalp redness, itching, and scaling.
Entities
Charles Taïeb · European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology · Germany · KiGGS Study · Ozempic · Susann Weihrauch-Blüher
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Semaglutide is approved for use in children starting from age 12 via weekly injections. www.fehmarn24.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.nordbayern.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Medication should only be used as a supplement to lifestyle interventions for minors. www.fehmarn24.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.nordbayern.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Roughly 800,000 children and adolescents in Germany have chronic obesity. www.fehmarn24.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.nordbayern.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 15 percent of children and adolescents in Germany are overweight, with 6 percent suffering from obesity. www.fehmarn24.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.nordbayern.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Liraglutide is approved for use in children from age 6 under specific conditions via daily administration. www.fehmarn24.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.nordbayern.de