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Bensignor MO, Bramante CT, Bomberg EM, Fox CK, Hale PM, Kelly AS, Mamadi R, Prabhu N, Harder-Lauridsen NM, Gross AC. Evaluating potential predictors of weight loss response to liraglutide in adolescents with obesity: A post hoc analysis of the randomized, placebo-controlled SCALE Teens trial. Pediatr Obes 2023; 18:e13061. [PMID: 37264767 PMCID: PMC10926323 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.13061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As childhood obesity prevalence increases, determining which patients respond to anti-obesity medications would strengthen personalized approaches to obesity treatment. In the SCALE Teens trial among pubertal adolescents with obesity (NCT02918279), liraglutide 3.0 mg (or maximum tolerated dose) significantly reduced body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score on average versus placebo. That said, liraglutide effects on BMI reduction varied greatly among adolescents, similar to adults. OBJECTIVES To identify post hoc characteristics predictive of achieving ≥5% and ≥10% BMI reductions at 56 weeks with liraglutide versus placebo in adolescents from the SCALE Teens trial. METHODS Logistic regression analysis was performed in 251 adolescents treated with liraglutide (n = 125) or placebo (n = 126) for 56 weeks. Baseline characteristics (selected a priori) included sex, race, ethnicity, age, Tanner (pubertal) stage, glycemic status (hyperglycemia [type 2 diabetes/prediabetes] vs. normoglycemia), obesity category (Class II/III vs. I), severity of depression symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and weight variability (weight fluctuations over time). The effects of early responder status (≥4% BMI reduction at week 16) on week 56 response were assessed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Baseline characteristics did not affect achievement of ≥5% and ≥10% BMI reductions at week 56 in adolescents treated with liraglutide. Further, there was no association between weight variability and BMI reduction. Early liraglutide responders appeared to have greater BMI and body weight reductions at week 56 compared with early non-responders. CONCLUSIONS This secondary analysis suggests that adolescents with obesity may experience significant BMI reductions after 56 weeks of liraglutide treatment, regardless of their sex, race, ethnicity, age, pubertal stage, glycemic status, obesity category, severity of depression symptoms, or weight variability. Early response may predict greater week 56 response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan O. Bensignor
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Carolyn T. Bramante
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Eric M. Bomberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Claudia K. Fox
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Paula M. Hale
- Clinical Development, Medical & Regulatory Affairs, Novo Nordisk Inc., Plainsboro, New Jersey, USA
| | - Aaron S. Kelly
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rashmi Mamadi
- Global Medical Affairs, Novo Nordisk, Bangalore, India
| | | | | | - Amy C. Gross
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Apperley LJ, Blackburn J, Erlandson-Parry K, Gait L, Laing P, Senniappan S. Childhood obesity: A review of current and future management options. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 96:288-301. [PMID: 34750858 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent in paediatric populations worldwide. In addition to increasing prevalence, the severity of obesity is also continuing to rise. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a worrying trend and highlight one of the most significant challenges to public health. Childhood obesity affects multiple organs in the body and is associated with both significant morbidity and ultimately premature mortality. The prevalence of complications associated with obesity, including dyslipidaemia, hypertension, fatty liver disease and psychosocial complications are becoming increasingly prevalent within the paediatric populations. Treatment guidelines currently focus on intervention with lifestyle and behavioural modifications, with pharmacotherapy and surgery reserved for patients who are refractory to such treatment. Research into adult obesity has established pharmacological novel therapies, which have been approved and established in clinical practice; however, the research and implementation of such therapies in paediatric populations have been lagging behind. Despite the relative lack of widespread research in comparison to the adult population, newer therapies are being trialled, which should allow a greater availability of treatment options for childhood obesity in the future. This review summarizes the current evidence for the management of obesity in terms of medical and surgical options. Both future therapeutic agents and those which cause weight loss but have an alternative indication are also included and discussed as part of the review. The review summarizes the most recent research for each intervention and demonstrates the potential efficacy and limitations of each treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise J Apperley
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - James Blackburn
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Lucy Gait
- Department of Paediatric Clinical Psychology, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Peter Laing
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Senthil Senniappan
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
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Abstract
Although progress had been made in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, the positive trend has reversed in recent years, and CVD remains the most common cause of mortality in US women and men. Youth represent the future of CVD prevention; emerging evidence suggests exposure to risk factors in children contributes to atherosclerosis and results in vascular changes and increased CVD events. The contributors to CVD include those commonly seen in adults. This article reviews hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and smoking. It discusses the prevalence of each disease, diagnosis, treatment, and cardiovascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Clauss
- Children's National Medical Center, George Washington School of Medicine, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington DC 20010, USA.
| | - Sarah D de Ferranti
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard School of Medicine, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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4
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Gates A, Elliott SA, Shulhan-Kilroy J, Ball GDC, Hartling L. Effectiveness and safety of interventions to manage childhood overweight and obesity: An Overview of Cochrane systematic reviews. Paediatr Child Health 2020; 26:310-316. [PMID: 34336060 DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxaa085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Childhood overweight and obesity are associated with adverse physical, social, and psychological outcomes. Objectives We conducted an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews on the effectiveness and risks of interventions to treat overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Methods In June 2019, we searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for eligible reviews. The primary outcomes were change in adiposity (body mass and body mass index [BMI] z-score) and adverse events. Two reviewers screened studies and one reviewer extracted and another verified data. Two reviewers assessed methodological quality and reached consensus. Data were synthesized narratively. Results We included seven Cochrane reviews published between 2011 and 2017 containing evidence from 167 randomized controlled trials with 21,050 participants. Lifestyle and behavioural interventions more effectively reduced weight compared with no intervention, usual care, or another behavioural treatment (three reviews, low-to-moderate certainty). Parent-child lifestyle and behavioural interventions more effectively reduced BMI z-score compared with no intervention (one review, low certainty). Decision support tools for healthcare providers more effectively limited increases in BMI z-score compared with usual care (one review, moderate certainty). Pharmacologic treatments combined with behavioural modification more effectively reduced adiposity compared with placebo or usual care (one review, low certainty), but the risk of adverse events was greater than non-pharmacologic therapy. Surgical interventions (e.g., LAP-BAND) combined with behavioural modification more effectively reduced adiposity compared with behavioural modification alone (one review, low certainty). Those who underwent surgery reported a higher number of adverse events compared with those treated with lifestyle modification. Conclusions There is low-certainty evidence that lifestyle and behavioural interventions, pharmacologic interventions, and surgical interventions are effective in weight management for children with overweight and obesity. Safety data remain lacking across all intervention modalities. Future research should focus on implementation strategies. Further, a focus on overall well-being may be more beneficial than weight management specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Gates
- Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Sarah A Elliott
- Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.,Cochrane Child Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Jocelyn Shulhan-Kilroy
- Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Geoff D C Ball
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Lisa Hartling
- Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.,Cochrane Child Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
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Bomberg EM, Ryder JR, Brundage RC, Straka RJ, Fox CK, Gross AC, Oberle MM, Bramante CT, Sibley SD, Kelly AS. Precision medicine in adult and pediatric obesity: a clinical perspective. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2019; 10:2042018819863022. [PMID: 31384417 PMCID: PMC6661805 DOI: 10.1177/2042018819863022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It remains largely unknown as to why some individuals experience substantial weight loss with obesity interventions, while others receiving these same interventions do not. Person-specific characteristics likely play a significant role in this heterogeneity in treatment response. The practice of precision medicine accounts for an individual's genes, environment, and lifestyle when deciding upon treatment type and intensity in order to optimize benefit and minimize risk. In this review, we first discuss biopsychosocial determinants of obesity, as understanding the complexity of this disease is necessary for appreciating how difficult it is to develop individualized treatment plans. Next, we present literature on person-specific characteristics associated with, and predictive of, weight loss response to various obesity treatments including lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, metabolic and bariatric surgery, and medical devices. Finally, we discuss important gaps in our understanding of the causes of obesity in relation to the suboptimal treatment outcomes in certain patients, and offer solutions that may lead to the development of more effective and targeted obesity therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M. Bomberg
- Department of Pediatrics and Center for
Pediatric Obesity Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 717
Delaware Street SE, Room 371, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
| | - Justin R. Ryder
- Department of Pediatrics, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Richard C. Brundage
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Robert J. Straka
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Claudia K. Fox
- Department of Pediatrics, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Amy C. Gross
- Department of Pediatrics, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Megan M. Oberle
- Department of Pediatrics, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Carolyn T. Bramante
- Department of Pediatrics, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Aaron S. Kelly
- Department of Pediatrics, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Pediatric Obesity Medicine,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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The Effectiveness of Nutrition Specialists on Pediatric Weight Management Outcomes in Multicomponent Pediatric Weight Management Interventions: A Systematic Review and Exploratory Meta-Analysis. J Acad Nutr Diet 2019; 119:799-817.e43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Mangan A, Docherty NG, Le Roux CW, Al-Najim W. Current and emerging pharmacotherapy for prediabetes: are we moving forward? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2018; 19:1663-1673. [PMID: 30198813 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1517155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prediabetes is a state wherein blood glucose levels are above normal but below the diagnostic threshold for diabetes. Seventy percent of patients with prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. Despite this, prediabetes frequently goes undiagnosed. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the pharmacological treatment of prediabetes and the prevention of progression to diabetes. A literature search was carried out on PubMed and Embase to review randomized controlled trials examining treatment of prediabetes. Emerging pharmacological therapies with potential benefit are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Lifestyle intervention is the cornerstone for preventing progression to diabetes, but metformin remains the first line pharmacological intervention. There appears to be minimal additive effect of combining metformin with lifestyle changes. It would be interesting to assess whether using combination pharmacological approaches plus or minus lifestyle interventions have any additive benefit. Despite the good level of evidence available, the penetrance of any interventions remains very low in part due to the prodromal categorization of the prediabetic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Mangan
- a Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Neil G Docherty
- a Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Carel W Le Roux
- a Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland.,b Medicine Department, Investigative Science , Imperial College London , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Werd Al-Najim
- a Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland.,b Medicine Department, Investigative Science , Imperial College London , Dublin , Ireland
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Henry BW, Ziegler J, Parrott JS, Handu D. Pediatric Weight Management Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines: Components and Contexts of Interventions. J Acad Nutr Diet 2018; 118:1301-1311.e23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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9
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Beamish AJ, Reinehr T. Should bariatric surgery be performed in adolescents? Eur J Endocrinol 2017; 176:D1-D15. [PMID: 28174231 DOI: 10.1530/eje-16-0906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent obesity has markedly increased worldwide in both its extent and prevalence in recent decades and obesity prevention strategies are failing. As a result, effective treatment strategies are urgently needed. As behavioral and pharmacological treatment approaches have only moderate effects in severe obesity, bariatric surgery has begun to emerge as a treatment option. In this debate article, we offer arguments opposing and supporting bariatric surgery in the treatment of severe obesity in adolescents. Bariatric surgery has superior therapeutic outcomes with respect to weight loss and resolution of comorbid diseases over other existing treatments. However, long-term outcomes after bariatric surgery in adolescents are only just beginning to emerge. Furthermore, the procedures are generally considered irreversible, apart from gastric banding. Most importantly, not all adolescents seem to benefit greatly from bariatric surgery and we are not yet able to reliably identify those who stand to gain the greatest benefit. The authors agree that adolescent bariatric surgery should be offered exclusively within formal adolescent obesity programs, delivered by specialist multidisciplinary child/adolescent obesity teams, and within specialist centers, in order to optimize outcomes and minimize potential detrimental effects. Patients and their family/carers must be educated regarding the benefits and risks, potential side effects, expected changes in eating behavior and the lifelong requirement for regular medical follow-up after surgery. Before embarking upon a surgical treatment pathway in adolescents with severe obesity, it may also be beneficial to ensure compliance to treatment is demonstrated, in order to minimize the risk of nutritional deficiencies and associated potential complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Beamish
- Department of Gastrosurgical ResearchInstitute of Clinical Sciences, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Research DepartmentThe Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, UK
| | - Thomas Reinehr
- Vestische Hospital for Children and Adolescents University of Witten/Herdecke Department of Pediatric EndocrinologyDiabetes, and Nutrition Medicine, Datteln, Germany
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10
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Styne DM, Arslanian SA, Connor EL, Farooqi IS, Murad MH, Silverstein JH, Yanovski JA. Pediatric Obesity-Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2017; 102:709-757. [PMID: 28359099 PMCID: PMC6283429 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2016-2573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 640] [Impact Index Per Article: 91.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
COSPONSORING ASSOCIATIONS The European Society of Endocrinology and the Pediatric Endocrine Society. This guideline was funded by the Endocrine Society. OBJECTIVE To formulate clinical practice guidelines for the assessment, treatment, and prevention of pediatric obesity. PARTICIPANTS The participants include an Endocrine Society-appointed Task Force of 6 experts, a methodologist, and a medical writer. EVIDENCE This evidence-based guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach to describe the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. The Task Force commissioned 2 systematic reviews and used the best available evidence from other published systematic reviews and individual studies. CONSENSUS PROCESS One group meeting, several conference calls, and e-mail communications enabled consensus. Endocrine Society committees and members and co-sponsoring organizations reviewed and commented on preliminary drafts of this guideline. CONCLUSION Pediatric obesity remains an ongoing serious international health concern affecting ∼17% of US children and adolescents, threatening their adult health and longevity. Pediatric obesity has its basis in genetic susceptibilities influenced by a permissive environment starting in utero and extending through childhood and adolescence. Endocrine etiologies for obesity are rare and usually are accompanied by attenuated growth patterns. Pediatric comorbidities are common and long-term health complications often result; screening for comorbidities of obesity should be applied in a hierarchal, logical manner for early identification before more serious complications result. Genetic screening for rare syndromes is indicated only in the presence of specific historical or physical features. The psychological toll of pediatric obesity on the individual and family necessitates screening for mental health issues and counseling as indicated. The prevention of pediatric obesity by promoting healthful diet, activity, and environment should be a primary goal, as achieving effective, long-lasting results with lifestyle modification once obesity occurs is difficult. Although some behavioral and pharmacotherapy studies report modest success, additional research into accessible and effective methods for preventing and treating pediatric obesity is needed. The use of weight loss medications during childhood and adolescence should be restricted to clinical trials. Increasing evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of bariatric surgery in the most seriously affected mature teenagers who have failed lifestyle modification, but the use of surgery requires experienced teams with resources for long-term follow-up. Adolescents undergoing lifestyle therapy, medication regimens, or bariatric surgery for obesity will need cohesive planning to help them effectively transition to adult care, with continued necessary monitoring, support, and intervention. Transition programs for obesity are an uncharted area requiring further research for efficacy. Despite a significant increase in research on pediatric obesity since the initial publication of these guidelines 8 years ago, further study is needed of the genetic and biological factors that increase the risk of weight gain and influence the response to therapeutic interventions. Also needed are more studies to better understand the genetic and biological factors that cause an obese individual to manifest one comorbidity vs another or to be free of comorbidities. Furthermore, continued investigation into the most effective methods of preventing and treating obesity and into methods for changing environmental and economic factors that will lead to worldwide cultural changes in diet and activity should be priorities. Particular attention to determining ways to effect systemic changes in food environments and total daily mobility, as well as methods for sustaining healthy body mass index changes, is of importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis M Styne
- University of California Davis, Sacramento, California 95817
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Axon E, Atkinson G, Richter B, Metzendorf M, Baur L, Finer N, Corpeleijn E, O'Malley C, Ells LJ. Drug interventions for the treatment of obesity in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 11:CD012436. [PMID: 27899001 PMCID: PMC6472619 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child and adolescent obesity has increased globally, and can be associated with significant short- and long-term health consequences. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of drug interventions for the treatment of obesity in children and adolescents. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed (subsets not available on Ovid), LILACS as well as the trial registers ICTRP (WHO) and ClinicalTrials.gov. Searches were undertaken from inception to March 2016. We checked references and applied no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of pharmacological interventions for treating obesity (licensed and unlicensed for this indication) in children and adolescents (mean age under 18 years) with or without support of family members, with a minimum of three months' pharmacological intervention and six months' follow-up from baseline. We excluded interventions that specifically dealt with the treatment of eating disorders or type 2 diabetes, or included participants with a secondary or syndromic cause of obesity. In addition, we excluded trials which included growth hormone therapies and pregnant participants. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data following standard Cochrane methodology. Where necessary we contacted authors for additional information. MAIN RESULTS We included 21 trials and identified eight ongoing trials. The included trials evaluated metformin (11 trials), sibutramine (six trials), orlistat (four trials), and one trial arm investigated the combination of metformin and fluoxetine. The ongoing trials evaluated metformin (four trials), topiramate (two trials) and exenatide (two trials). A total of 2484 people participated in the included trials, 1478 participants were randomised to drug intervention and 904 to comparator groups (91 participants took part in two cross-over trials; 11 participants not specified). Eighteen trials used a placebo in the comparator group. Two trials had a cross-over design while the remaining 19 trials were parallel RCTs. The length of the intervention period ranged from 12 weeks to 48 weeks, and the length of follow-up from baseline ranged from six months to 100 weeks.Trials generally had a low risk of bias for random sequence generation, allocation concealment and blinding (participants, personnel and assessors) for subjective and objective outcomes. We judged approximately half of the trials as having a high risk of bias in one or more domain such as selective reporting.The primary outcomes of this review were change in body mass index (BMI), change in weight and adverse events. All 21 trials measured these outcomes. The secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life (only one trial reported results showing no marked differences; very low certainty evidence), body fat distribution (measured in 18 trials), behaviour change (measured in six trials), participants' views of the intervention (not reported), morbidity associated with the intervention (measured in one orlistat trial only reporting more new gallstones following the intervention; very low certainty evidence), all-cause mortality (one suicide in the orlistat intervention group; low certainty evidence) and socioeconomic effects (not reported).Intervention versus comparator for mean difference (MD) in BMI change was -1.3 kg/m2 (95% confidence interval (CI) -1.9 to -0.8; P < 0.00001; 16 trials; 1884 participants; low certainty evidence). When split by drug type, sibutramine, metformin and orlistat all showed reductions in BMI in favour of the intervention.Intervention versus comparator for change in weight showed a MD of -3.9 kg (95% CI -5.9 to -1.9; P < 0.00001; 11 trials; 1180 participants; low certainty evidence). As with BMI, when the trials were split by drug type, sibutramine, metformin and orlistat all showed reductions in weight in favour of the intervention.Five trials reported serious adverse events: 24/878 (2.7%) participants in the intervention groups versus 8/469 (1.7%) participants in the comparator groups (risk ratio (RR) 1.43, 95% CI 0.63 to 3.25; 1347 participants; low certainty evidence). A total 52/1043 (5.0%) participants in the intervention groups versus 17/621 (2.7%) in the comparator groups discontinued the trial because of adverse events (RR 1.45, 95% CI 0.83 to 2.52; 10 trials; 1664 participants; low certainty evidence). The most common adverse events in orlistat and metformin trials were gastrointestinal (such as diarrhoea, mild abdominal pain or discomfort, fatty stools). The most frequent adverse events in sibutramine trials included tachycardia, constipation and hypertension. The single fluoxetine trial reported dry mouth and loose stools. No trial investigated drug treatment for overweight children. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This systematic review is part of a series of associated Cochrane reviews on interventions for obese children and adolescents and has shown that pharmacological interventions (metformin, sibutramine, orlistat and fluoxetine) may have small effects in reduction in BMI and bodyweight in obese children and adolescents. However, many of these drugs are not licensed for the treatment of obesity in children and adolescents, or have been withdrawn. Trials were generally of low quality with many having a short or no post-intervention follow-up period and high dropout rates (overall dropout of 25%). Future research should focus on conducting trials with sufficient power and long-term follow-up, to ensure the long-term effects of any pharmacological intervention are comprehensively assessed. Adverse events should be reported in a more standardised manner specifying amongst other things the number of participants experiencing at least one adverse event. The requirement of regulatory authorities (US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency) for trials of all new medications to be used in children and adolescents should drive an increase in the number of high quality trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Axon
- University of NottinghamCochrane Skin GroupNottinghamUKNG7 2NR
| | - Greg Atkinson
- Teesside UniversityHealth and Social Care InstituteMiddlesbroughUKTS1 3BA
| | - Bernd Richter
- Institute of General Practice, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich‐Heine‐University DüsseldorfCochrane Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders GroupPO Box 101007DüsseldorfGermany40001
| | - Maria‐Inti Metzendorf
- Institute of General Practice, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich‐Heine‐University DüsseldorfCochrane Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders GroupPO Box 101007DüsseldorfGermany40001
| | - Louise Baur
- The University of SydneyDepartment of Paediatrics and Child HealthLocked Bag 4001WestmeadAustraliaNSW 2145
| | - Nicholas Finer
- UCL Institute of Cardiovascular ScienceNational Centre for Cardiovascular Prevention and Outcomes170 Tottenham Court RoadLondonUKW1T 7HA
- Novo Nordisk A/SGlobal Medical Affairs ManagementCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Eva Corpeleijn
- University Medical Centre GroningenDepartment of EpidemiologyHanzeplein 1GroningenNetherlands9713 GZ
| | - Claire O'Malley
- Durham UniversityDepartment of Sport and Exercise SciencesDurhamUKDH1 3HN
| | - Louisa J Ells
- Teesside UniversitySchool of Health and Social CareParkside West OfficesMiddlesbroughUKTS1 3BA
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Sherafat-Kazemzadeh R, Yanovski SZ, Yanovski JA. Pharmacotherapy for childhood obesity: present and future prospects. Int J Obes (Lond) 2013; 37:1-15. [PMID: 22929210 PMCID: PMC3522799 DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2012.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric obesity is a serious medical condition associated with significant comorbidities during childhood and adulthood. Lifestyle modifications are essential for treating children with obesity, yet many have insufficient response to improve health with behavioral approaches alone. This review summarizes the relatively sparse data on pharmacotherapy for pediatric obesity and presents information on obesity medications in development. Most previously studied medications demonstrated, at best, modest effects on body weight and obesity-related conditions. It is to be hoped that the future will bring new drugs targeting specific obesity phenotypes that will allow clinicians to use etiology-specific, and therefore more effective, anti-obesity therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Sherafat-Kazemzadeh
- Section on Growth and Obesity, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
| | - Susan Z. Yanovski
- Section on Growth and Obesity, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health
| | - Jack A. Yanovski
- Section on Growth and Obesity, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
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