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A complicated, widespread, and often enduring health issue among kids and teenagers is obesity.
Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to the 95th percentile for age
and gender in children two years of age and older. Having a BMI above or equal to the 120th percentile is
considered severe obesity.
In 2022, more than 390 million children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 were overweight.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged 5-19 has increased
significantly, from only 8% in 1990 to 20% in 2022.
Similar increases have been seen in boys and girls: in 2022, 21% of boys and 19% of girls were overweight.
Most worrying fact is that more teenagers and children are now diagnosed as “complex severe obese”.
Most obese children end up being obese adults. Obese adults are more prone to Diabetes, Heart attack,
Stroke, different Cancers, Infertility, Depression, and Sleep apnoea.
Obese children are more often likely to be bullied in school. It is important to educate children and
teachers so as to prevent and stop obesity discrimination and bullying.
In addition, overweight and obesity affects the child’s confidence and self esteem,
this in turn has an effect on the child’s academic outcomes and social skills.
A complicated, widespread, and often enduring health issue among kids and teenagers is obesity.
Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to the 95th percentile for age and gender in children two years of age and older. Having a BMI above or equal to the 120th percentile is considered severe obesity.
In 2022, more than 390 million children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 were overweight.The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents aged 5-19 has increased significantly, from only 8% in 1990 to 20% in 2022.
Similar increases have been seen in boys and girls: in 2022, 21% of boys and 19% of girls were overweight.
Most worrying fact is that more teenagers and children are now diagnosed as “complex severe obese”.
Most obese children end up being obese adults. Obese adults are more prone to Diabetes, Heart attack,Stroke, different Cancers, Infertility, Depression, and Sleep apnoea.
Obese children are more often likely to be bullied in school. It is important to educate children and
teachers so as to prevent and stop obesity discrimination and bullying.
In addition, overweight and obesity affects the child’s confidence and self esteem,
this in turn has an effect on the child’s academic outcomes and social skills.
Outcomes of research published in the New England Journal Of Medicine
concludes that in adolescents with obesity, once-weekly semaglutide (Wegovy)
in addition to lifestyle intervention resulted in a significant reduction in body
mass index compared with lifestyle intervention alone.
A child should only commence semaglutide after consultation by a
paediatrician, preferably an endocrinologist. This is to ensure any underlying
cause for obesity is investigated and treated.
The specialist ensures that the child meets all criteria before commencing Wegovy They should be assessed by a psychologist and monitored by a dietitian.
Children 12 years of age and up should follow the same recommended dose schedule as adults. When a child starts treatment, a dosage will be prescribed by the physician which is usually the 0.25mg weekly ,starting dose. After that, the doctor will gradually increase the dosage until it reaches a maximum of 2.4mg weekly.
Outcomes of research published in the New England Journal Of Medicine concludes that in adolescents with obesity, once-weekly semaglutide (Wegovy) in addition to lifestyle intervention resulted in a significant reduction in body mass index compared with lifestyle intervention alone.
A child should only commence semaglutide after consultation by a paediatrician, preferably an endocrinologist. This is to ensure any underlying cause for obesity is investigated and treated.
The specialist ensures that the child meets all criteria before commencing Wegovy They should be assessed by a psychologist and monitored by a dietitian.
Children 12 years of age and up should follow the same recommended dose schedule as adults. When a child starts treatment, a dosage will be prescribed by the physician which is usually the 0.25mg weekly ,starting dose. After that, the doctor will gradually increase the dosage until it reaches a maximum of 2.4mg weekly.
STEPS TEENS: According to a December 2022 New England Journal of Medicine article, children who received lifestyle counselling and weekly injections of semaglutide for 68 weeks had an average 16% reduction in body mass index. They also showed reductions in triglycerides, cholesterol, waist circumference, and other parameters.
STEPS TEENS: According to a December 2022 New England Journal of Medicine article, children who received lifestyle counselling and weekly injections of semaglutide for 68 weeks had an average 16% reduction in body mass index. They also showed reductions in triglycerides, cholesterol, waist circumference, and other parameters.
Semaglutide, at the maximum dose of 2.4 mg/week, has been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of obesity in children 12 years of age or older whose BMI is in the 95th percentile or higher for their age and sex.
In addition the child should not have any serious underlying medical or psychological problems. This will be assessed by our paediatrician.
Currently research is being done using semaglutide for weight
management in children between the ages 6 to 12 years. Until this
study is completed and approved by FDA, Wegovy cannot be
prescribed for children below the age of 12 years old.
Semaglutide, at the maximum dose of 2.4 mg/week, has been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of obesity in children 12 years of age or older whose BMI is in the 95th percentile or higher for their age and sex.
In addition the child should not have any serious underlying medical or psychological problems. This will be assessed by our paediatrician.
Currently research is being done using semaglutide for weight management in children between the ages 6 to 12 years. Until this study is completed and approved by FDA, Wegovy cannot be prescribed for children below the age of 12 years old.
Read our articles on Wegovy & semaglutide if you would like to learn more about the benefits, the research and case studies.
Videos created by our chief doctor on managing and understanding Wegovy to help you achieve the best outcomes possible.
All consultations and prescriptions are carried out by GMC registered medical practitioners.
All dispensing and shipping of medicines are completed by a UK licensed, GPhC registered Pharmacy no: 9011284.
CloudRx is our partner pharmacy and prescribing service.
*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person depending on individual engagement and commitment to the programme.
The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health related condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your healthcare provider.
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