SuppliedRecent studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine show that anti-obesity drugs can reduce obesity in children and adolescents. According to Geoff Ball, a professor and associate chair of research in the University of Alberta’s department of pediatrics, more research is needed to examine the long-term effects of these drugs.
Pediatric obesity is a chronic medical condition characterized by excess body fat. This can increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Many of the children living with obesity will live with the condition in adolescence and adulthood. In the last three decades, the rate of pediatric obesity has nearly tripled in Canada.
Researchers are “trying to understand the effects” of these medications, according to Ball
Currently, lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and changing dietary habits remain the recommended strategy for preventing pediatric obesity.
Anti-obesity drugs mimic the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and slow down how quickly the food we ingest leaves the stomach. They also help to reduce cravings, leaving individuals feeling full for a longer time.
Despite the popularity of anti-obesity drugs, studies assessing the effectiveness of the drugs on children are still lacking, according to Ball. This leaves many with questions about the long-term effects, he said.
Children’s bodies break down medications differently than adults, warranting further research in this area, according to Ball. “There could be different adverse events that we don’t know yet. That will take some time to figure out,” he said.
According to Ball, researchers are “in the experimental study stage of trying to understand the effects. Both the good effects and the potentially [bad effects].”
However, while anti-obesity drugs present challenges, these drugs are another avenue for improving the health of those with severe obesity, Ball said.
Availability and accessibility of anti-obesity drugs are ethical concerns, Ball says
Regarding ethical issues related to anti-obesity drugs, Ball said that “availability and accessibility of not just the medication, but of the services” is a concern.
The social determinants of health, such as income, affect an individual’s ability to afford medications and access health care.
“Drugs that cost $400 or $500 a month that are not covered by health care plans are not going to be addressing the obesity problem at the population level. It’s going to help those people who have access and who have the resources to do it,” Ball said.
“There are some fundamental underlying issues that aren’t equitable, and that’s not right.”
However, Ball said that this does not mean scientists should stop their search for more effective therapies.
According to Ball, the responsibility of scientists like himself lies in evaluating evidence and making recommendations regarding the safety and effectiveness of interventions for improving health, such as anti-obesity drugs.
Ultimately, whether or not to pursue an intervention is a decision between families and their health care providers, Ball said.
“Part of our job is to share the evidence and translate it into different settings and encourage people to apply them. And hopefully, along the way, improve accessibility and availability of services that are effective and safe for families.”
