Once-weekly semaglutide combined with lifestyle modification reduced BMI in children aged 6 to under 12 years with obesity, according to first results from the STEP Young phase 3 trial announced by Novo Nordisk. The trial met its primary endpoint, with the semaglutide group achieving a superior BMI reduction at week 68 compared with placebo. Both treatment groups received lifestyle modification throughout the trial, including a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. At baseline, more than 85% of children had class II or class III severe obesity.

At week 68, 40.4% of children treated with semaglutide were no longer classified as having obesity, compared with none of those receiving placebo. This means approximately two in five children in the semaglutide group reduced their BMI into the normal-weight or overweight category, compared with none in the placebo group. Safety…