Richard Parks A new Swedish study reveals that liraglutide injections not only help obese children lose weight but also ease family tensions during meals. Researchers at the National Childhood Obesity Centre in Stockholm studied 1,000 children under 16 with severe obesity over several years. About 25% of these children were treated with liraglutide in 2023, alongside diet and lifestyle changes. Nearly one-third of those receiving the drug lost enough weight to improve their health, surpassing results of earlier groups without access to the medication.
GLP-1 Drugs Show Promise for Long-Term Childhood Obesity Treatment
Liraglutide (Saxenda) and semaglutide (Wegovy) belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They work by reducing appetite and helping patients eat less. While the UK’s NHS currently approves these drugs only for adults, some specialist pediatric clinics can prescribe them to children with severe obesity under specific conditions.
Dr. Annika Janson, lead researcher from Karolinska University Hospital, presented these findings at the European Congress on Obesity. She noted that many children started treatment six to twelve months into the program, suggesting that longer use of GLP-1 drugs could lead to greater reductions in body mass index (BMI).
Families Report Less Mealtime Stress and Healthier Habits
Beyond weight loss, families participating in the study reported fewer arguments during meals and better adoption of healthy behaviors. Dr. Janson said, “Portions became smaller, hunger decreased, and for some children that was a completely new experience.”
She added, “While these drugs won’t help in every case, they’re clearly beneficial for many children with severe obesity. Access should be expanded.”
NHS Trials Digital “Smart Scales” to Support Remote Monitoring
To complement drug treatments, NHS England is testing “smart scales” in 15 specialist clinics. These devices send weight data to a connected app with hidden digits so families don’t see the exact numbers, which helps reduce anxiety around weight monitoring. Clinical teams then review trends and send supportive messages to encourage healthier habits.
Four more clinics will receive these digital scales during the summer to expand the program.
Experts Praise Supportive, Monitored Approach to Childhood Obesity
Professor Simon Kenny, NHS England’s national clinical director for children and young people, called the smart scale system a “game-changer.” He emphasized that it allows for remote, regular support without the need for frequent clinical visits.
Tam Fry from the National Obesity Forum supported this approach, noting that many families feel overwhelmed by weight management. “If gentle nudging, combined with close monitoring, helps families change behavior, it may be the best way forward,” he said.
As childhood obesity remains a major health concern, combining medication like liraglutide with digital monitoring and family support offers new hope for effective, long-term care. This evolving strategy highlights the importance of expanding treatment options and supportive tools to improve health outcomes and family wellbeing.