Weight loss drug liraglutide shows promise for younger children with obesity, study finds [Video]

Children who used the weight loss drug liraglutide in a late-stage trial lost significantly more weight than children who got a placebo, according to a new study.Video above: Study suggests link between weight loss drugs, suicidal thoughtsDoctors say it can be extremely difficult for anyone with obesity to lose weight, no matter their age. Most adults and children 12 and older have access to highly effective new medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists, but younger children must rely on lifestyle changes like diet, exercise and counseling alone to lose weight. Even with more aggressive interventions, children generally have only modest results, doctors say.The first study on the effects of the GLP-1 drug liraglutide, which is sold under the brand names Saxenda and Victoza, on younger children found that the medication could have a significant impact on their body mass index (BMI), the measure that practitioners use to determine whether a person …