Novo Nordisk semaglutide study shows obesity reduction in children

Results from Novo Nordisk’s phase 3 STEP Young study indicate that semaglutide, when combined with calorie reduction and increased physical activity, significantly reduces obesity in children aged 6 to 12.

At the start of the trial, over 85% of participants presented with severe obesity (class II or III). By week 68, 40.4% of the children treated with semaglutide no longer met the criteria for obesity, moving into normal weight or overweight categories. This contrasted with the placebo group, where no participants achieved this reduction.

Dr. Ania M. Jastreboff of the Yale Obesity Research Center noted that childhood obesity is particularly concerning due to its immediate and long-term health impacts, including a high likelihood of persisting into adulthood and increased risks of early complications.