Obese teenagers 'should get weight-loss jab on NHS after trial success'

17 May 2023 , 22:01

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Experts say jab should be available on NHS (Image: Getty Images)

Scientists are calling for the NHS to offer teens a “game changing” weight loss jab after trials showed it reversed obesity in almost half of cases.

Weekly injections of semaglutide, which suppresses appetite, led to “unprecedented” weight loss for obese 12 to 17-year-olds.

In a landmark US trial, 45% of adolescents lost enough weight to drop below the clinical cutoff for obesity 17 months later.

Some even dropped two BMI categories to healthy weight. British scientists urged the NHS to follow US regulators in giving emergency approval of the drug for dangerously overweight teens.

Lead author Dr Aaron Kelly, of the University of Minnesota, said it should be given to teens for life alongside lifestyle advice, the “earlier the better”.

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In trial, 45% of adolescents lost enough weight to drop below the clinical cutoff for obesity (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Also known by brand name Wegovy, semaglutide suppresses appetite by mimicking a hormone released after eating.

Dr Stephen Lawrence, of Warwick University, said morbidly obese children “risk not reaching pension age”. Dr Simon Cork, of Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, said: “These drugs are game changing.” Findings were presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Dublin.

But UK teens are likely to have to wait to access the jab as maker Novo Nordisk delayed a research submission to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. NICE already recommends it for obese adults but supply shortages delayed the NHS rollout.

Martin Bagot