Liraglutide for weight management in obese adolescents aged 12-17 years old


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Indications: Weight management
Year: 2019

Liraglutide is in development for weight management in obese adolescents aged 12-17 years old. Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of a number of common causes of disease and death including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. For individuals classified as obese, the risk of poor health increases sharply with increasing Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI is used to determine a person’s weight in regard to their height as underweight, of normal weight, overweight or obese. Preventing and managing obesity is a complex problem, and it is unlikely that obesity can be addressed through primary care management alone.
Liraglutide acts like a hormone the body produces naturally that regulates appetite, known as glucagon-like-peptide (GLP-1). By activating areas of the brain that regulate appetite, liraglutide may decrease feelings of hunger which can lead to lower calorie intake and weight loss. If licensed, liraglutide may improve long-term outcomes for weight management in obese adolescents 12-17 years old who currently have limited treatment options.