Pharmacological treatment of obesity in children and adolescents: current status and perspectives

Abstract

Importance of the field: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents is increasing rapidly, while the short- and long-term morbid outcomes make these entities a major public health concern. Initial steps in therapy are based on dietary and lifestyle intervention. In the presence of an insufficient progress, medication or – eventually – surgery may be recommended. Three drugs are currently used: orlistat, metformin, and sibutramine; other candidates are in development. However, trials assessing the efficacy and safety of the current medications are frequently affected by methodological limitations, in particular insufficient power and period of follow-up.Areas covered in this review: The efficacy and safety of antiobesity drugs currently used for children and adolescents are reviewed. Additional information on upcoming agents is presented.What the reader will gain: This is an exhaustive review of current state on controversial issues regarding drugs used in children and adolescent obesity, specifically related with their efficacy and safety.Take home message: The efficacy of these drugs is modest. Our knowledge of their efficacy and safety comes from clinical trials affected by insufficient follow-up (1 year or less); very often, these trials are of limited power. Further data from larger and longer well-designed clinical trials would be advisable.