The takeaway
In a supervised trial, semaglutide plus lifestyle support reduced BMI more than placebo plus the same support. The findings concern adolescents with obesity, not cosmetic weight loss.
Who took part?
STEP TEENS randomized 201 participants aged 12–17. Almost all had obesity. Treatment lasted 68 weeks, using weekly semaglutide up to 2.4 mg or placebo.
Relative BMI change; not percentage of body weight
Original visual based on the study.
| Group or measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Semaglutide | −16.1% |
| Placebo | +0.6% |
What changed?
Estimated BMI fell 16.1% with semaglutide and rose 0.6% with placebo. BMI accounts for height: these figures are not percentages of body weight lost.
The main analysis included participants regardless of whether they continued treatment, with missing measurements estimated statistically. Overall, 180 participants completed treatment.
What were the trade-offs?
Digestive side effects occurred in 62% with semaglutide and 42% with placebo. Five semaglutide participants developed gallstones, versus none with placebo. Serious adverse events were reported in 11% and 9%, respectively.
What remains uncertain?
This trial cannot establish lifelong safety or predict an individual teenager’s response. It was not a direct comparison with another weight-management medicine. Pediatric treatment decisions require individualized clinical care.
Who funded it?
Novo Nordisk funded, designed and oversaw the trial and analyzed its data.
Sources
Weghuber and colleagues, New England Journal of Medicine, 2022