Injection against obesity: children in the focus of a controversial study!

Injection against obesity: children in the focus of a controversial study!

In the current discussion about combating obesity in children, drug treatment is becoming increasingly important. In particular, the drug Liraglutid, known as Saxenda trade name, is currently being tested in overweight children between the ages of six and twelve. According to VOL.AT Studies show that the body-mass index (BMI) can be significantly reduced in treated children. The fact that almost every third child between seven and nine years is overweight is particularly alarming.

The application of Liraglutid received special attention in a clinical study in the New England Journal of Medicine (2023). This showed an average decline of the BMI of six percent in the children treated with the medication, while the placebo group recorded an increase in the BMI. As reports t-online.de, there is no approved medication in children, which liraglutid Makes hope.

concerns from experts

Nevertheless, there are serious concerns about possible long -term consequences. Psychiatrist Reinhard Haller critically comments on the administration of liraglutid and warns of potential dependence on the syringe. Haller emphasizes that the use of medication could also endanger healthy lifestyle changes. This could lead to an education for unhealthy eating behavior if weight problems are treated with medication. According to [aerzteblatt.de] (https://www.aerzteblatt.de/archiv/praempraemptive therapy), a social discussion about the causes of overweight and the role of prevention and therapy is urgently necessary.

The prevalence of overweight in Germany has increased significantly in the past 25 years. If this value was still 10%25 years ago, it is currently between 20 and 33%. As a result, 45% of obese children and up to 85% of obese adolescents are also obese as adults.

effectiveness and side effects

The clinical security of Liraglutid has not yet been sufficiently researched. An examination with 82 highly obese children showed that 56 children were treated with liraglutid, while 26 received a placebo. While the children who received Liraglutid were able to reduce their BMI on average by 5.8%, the placebo group increased by 1.6%. In addition, side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea occurred, which caused 11% of children to stop therapy.

The possibilities for treating overweight in children are complex, since they are influenced by various factors such as social status, genetic predisposition and living conditions. The challenge is to tackle the causes of being overweight. Previous therapeutic approaches were often not sustainable and showed a need for structural and political measures to combat obesity.

The entire discussion about the use of weight loss injections not only raises ethical and social issues, but also affects the self -image and expectations of future generations. It is therefore crucial that future measures to combat obesity are multi -layered and also include prevention that is based on various groups of actors.