Wegovy may help teens with obesity lose weight but isn’t a magic bullet

The Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk’s latest obesity drug, for adolescents aged 12 years and older opens up a highly-anticipated tool in the fight against childhood obesity, but some doctors warn the sought-after medication isn’t a magic bullet.

The move comes after the FDA approved Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight management in adults in 2021.

Though the FDA approved Novo Nordisk’s earlier obesity drug, Saxenda, for weight loss in adolescents in December 2020, there’s greater interest in Wegovy since it’s injected weekly instead of daily and it has been shown to have greater effects on weight loss. The drug, which mimics the effects of hormones that can help people feel full after eating, led to an average 16% reduction in body-mass index in teens in a 68-week trial.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.

Already have an account? Log in

Individual plans

Group plans

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $399/year

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $399/year

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.

Subscribe

Log In