Metabolic outcomes and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists in children and adolescents with obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
Within this specific population, GLP-1 RAs exhibit significant reductions in BW, BMI, WC, and SBP. The analyses of lipid profiles, DBP, HbA1c, and FBG showed no significant changes. Also, the administration of these medications is concurrent with an elevated incidence of side effects, which are predominantly gastrointestinal and tolerable.
Study context
- Population
- Children and adolescents with obesity (age ≤ 18 years); RCTs from PubMed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL to mid-September 2024
- Participants
- 715 children8 studies
- Comparison
- GLP-1 RA vs control
- Outcome
- Anthropometric outcomes:
- BMI
- Body weight (BW)
- Waist circumference (WC)
Methodological detailsrandom effects model
- Random effects model
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
BMI, SMD (95% CI), GLP-1 RA vs control
−0.67
−0.8 to −0.41
Body weight, SMD (95% CI), GLP-1 RA vs control
−0.60
−0.89 to −0.44
Waist circumference, SMD (95% CI), GLP-1 RA vs control
−0.40
−0.61 to −0.18
Further pooled results
Lipid profile, HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG)
- Lipid profiles, HbA1c and FBG were unaffected
Blood pressure and heart rate
- SBP, SMD (95% CI), GLP-1 RA vs control: slight reduction
- −0.20 (−0.35 to −0.04)
- Heart rate, SMD (95% CI), GLP-1 RA vs control: increase
- + 0.26 (+ 0.07 to +0.46)
- No significant effect on DBP
Safety
- Adverse effects, primarily nausea and vomiting, more common with GLP-1 RA; trial withdrawal rates remained low
Original publication
Metabolic outcomes and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists in children and adolescents with obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 23 April 2025. doi:10.
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