Obese teens must be put on weight loss jabs for life, experts say
OBESE teens should be put on weight loss jabs for life, experts claim.
Research shows kids as young as 12 lose around 3st (18kg) on average on semaglutide injections — given to obese adults on the NHS.
Nearly half of teenagers given a weekly jab for 16 months dropped below clinical obesity levels.
Dr Aaron Kelly, of Minnesota University in the US, said obese kids should be put on the drug and may have to stay on it to avoid weight “coming right back”.
He told the European Congress on Obesity, in Dublin: “Obesity is a chronic disease and chronic diseases require chronic treatments.”
Drug maker Novo Nordisk is seeking approval for the drug for 12 to 17-year-olds in Britain.
Dr Kelly said: “Semaglutide is transformative for many children who are able to get access. It can be life-changing.
“Nothing brings me more pleasure than hearing the stories from adolescents who have been struggling their entire life to manage their weight.
“This gives them a tool to help take control of their weight, it’s transformational for many teenagers.”