Wegovy Trial Shows Significant Weight Loss in Children Aged 6-12

Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has announced preliminary results from a successful global trial of its weight-loss injection, Wegovy, in children aged 6 to 12. The study, which included 165 children, with over 85% suffering from severe obesity at the outset, demonstrated that the drug, when combined with lifestyle changes, led to a significant reduction in BMI. This marks a potential breakthrough for this age group, where obesity rates are rising and treatment options are limited.

After 68 weeks, 40.4% of children receiving Wegovy achieved a normal weight, no longer classified as obese, compared to none in the placebo group. Sixteen Israeli children participated in the international trial, treated at Rambam, Schneider, and Shamir-Assaf Harofeh medical centers. Professor Ram Weiss, head of Pediatric Department A at Rambam, described the study as "groundbreaking," noting that approximately 40% of children on Wegovy reached a normal weight and others experienced significant weight loss compared to the placebo group.

Professor Weiss emphasized the importance of early intervention, stating that childhood obesity often persists into adulthood and is harder to treat later. He expressed hope that Wegovy will soon be included in Israel's national health basket for children to foster a healthier generation. The trial found the drug's safety profile in children to be similar to that observed in adults and adolescents, with common side effects including nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, and vomiting. No new safety concerns regarding growth or sexual development were identified.

The full results of the trial are expected to be presented at a professional conference in Washington in November.