Obese children as young as six could benefit from weight-loss jabs

"Obese children as young as six could benefit from taking weight-loss jabs, researchers suggest. About a third of children leaving primary school aged 11 are overweight or living with obesity, according to figures by the Department of Health and Social Care, putting them at risk of diabetes, stroke and some cancers later in life. While a number of weight-loss jabs are available on the NHS in England either to help manage weight or treat type 2 diabetes they are only recommended for adults."

"In the US, the weight-loss jab Wegovy is approved for 12- to 17-year-olds with obesity. A US study published in JAMA Pediatrics suggests weight-loss jabs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro could help children as young as six with obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, researchers found stomach problems were significantly more common among youngsters taking the drugs. One in three children are overweight or obese by the time they finish primary school (Getty Images/iStockphoto)"

The Independent deploys journalists to cover issues including reproductive rights, climate change and Big Tech and relies on donations to fund paywall-free reporting. About a third of children leaving primary school aged 11 are overweight or living with obesity, increasing risks of diabetes, stroke and some cancers later in life. Several weight-loss jabs are available on the NHS in England for adults and to treat type 2 diabetes. In the US, Wegovy is approved for 12- to 17-year-olds. A JAMA Pediatrics study suggests Wegovy and Mounjaro could help children as young as six with obesity and type 2 diabetes, but researchers observed significantly higher rates of stomach problems among youngsters taking the drugs. Approximately 1.5 million people in the UK use drugs such as Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy.

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