Efficacy and tolerance of GLP-1 analogues in the treatment of adolescent obesity: analysis of a French population.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent obesity is a chronic condition. The pathophysiology of this complex disease involves genetic mechanisms that influence appetite regulation via the hypothalamus, with environmental factors acting as triggers or aggravating factors. METHODS: Curative treatment relies on a restrictive diet, which is difficult to maintain long term. In this context, pharmacotherapy, particularly GLP-1 analogues, has proven effective in adults and is considered a therapeutic alternative for adolescents. However, their efficacy and tolerance in obese adolescents without diabetes remain poorly studied, particularly in France. RESULTS: This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerance of liraglutide in 20 obese, non-diabetic adolescents in France. Overall efficacy was lower than expected and lower than in previous publications. Eleven patients (55%) lost weight, but only 3 (15%) lost >5%. However, 7 of the 12 patients (58%) whose body composition was measured lost at least 5% of their fat mass. Sixty-five percent of patients experienced gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). These side effects led to discontinuation of treatment in 20% of patients. CONCLUSION: Although our study is limited by its small sample size and single-center design, it confirms the poor efficacy of liraglutide in obese adolescents. However, drug treatments remain a promising therapeutic option for adolescent obesity. Future development will likely enable more effective management of obese adolescents.