Health Experts Endorse Use of Weight-Loss Drugs in Children

In its “Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Obesity,” the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorsed the use of weight-loss drugs to treat children and adolescents with overweight and obesity.

These documents are the first guidelines published in over a decade covering the treatment of obesity, focusing on the genetic, physiologic, socioeconomic and environmental parts that play a critical role in the development of a disease that affects more than 14.4 million children and teenagers in the US only.

“The goal is to help patients make changes in lifestyle, behaviors or environment in a way that is sustainable and involves families in decision-making at every step of the way,” said Sandra Hassink, Vice Chair and author, Clinical Practice Guideline Subcommittee on Obesity.

The document highlights the role that marketing, low socioeconomic status, household food insecurity and structural racism play in boosting inequities that promote obesity during childhood. AAP writes the recommendations and the approach that should be taken, considering the child’s health status, family system, community context and resources.

“Research tells us that we need to take a close look at families – where they live, their access to nutritious food, healthcare and opportunities for physical activity – as well as other factors that are associated with health, quality-of- life outcomes and risks. Our kids need the medical support, understanding and resources we can provide within a treatment plan that involves the whole family,” said Sarah Hampl, lead author of the guideline.

On Dec. 23, 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Novo Nordisk’s weight loss medication as the first and only prescription anti-obesity drug for teenagers ages 12 and above, with a once a week dose.

Obesity is a global public health issue. Mexico ranked fifth in obesity in 2022 and the country is expected to increase to 35 million obese adults by the next decade. According to the World Obesity Federation, 24 percent of boys have obesity and 17 percent are overweight, while for girls these rates are 13 percent and 21 percent, respectively.

“Mexico, sadly, is a world leader in obesity, hypertension, diabetes and cancer,” wrote Roberto Galán, President of the Industrial Medical Sector, CANACINTRA, in MBN.