Saxenda (Liraglutide) Approved for Adolescent Obesity
Prepared by: Laura Page, MD and Shilpa Mehta, MD
Up to date as of December 10, 2020
On December 4, 2020, the FDA approved the GLP-1 agonist Saxenda® (Liraglutide) for the treatment of obesity in adolescents (12-17 years) in conjunction with lifestyle changes. Use is limited to adolescents with body weight ≥ 60 kg and BMI meeting criteria for obesity (corresponding to ≥ 30 kg/m2 in adults). Saxenda® is given as a 3-mg daily subcutaneous injection and requires a minimum of a five-week dose escalation. The most common adverse effects are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
