A recent study from Sweden reveals promising results for children struggling with severe obesity. The research shows that weight-loss injections, such as liraglutide, not only help children lose weight but also reduce family tensions during mealtimes. This discovery offers new hope for families facing the daily challenges of childhood obesity.

Swedish Study Focuses on Severe Childhood Obesity

The study was conducted by researchers at the National Childhood Obesity Centre in Stockholm. Over several years, they treated around 1,000 children under the age of 16. The treatment combined traditional lifestyle therapy—like diet and exercise—with the drug liraglutide for about 25% of the children treated in 2023.

The researchers found that nearly one-third of the children who received liraglutide lost a significant amount of weight that mattered for their health. This is a slight improvement compared to earlier groups who did not use the drug, where 27% saw similar weight loss.

More Than Just Weight Loss: Improved Family Life

The study also looked at how weight loss affected family life. Many parents and children reported fewer arguments about food and better control over portions during meals. This was a big change for many families who had long struggled with mealtime stress.

One major change was that children said they felt less hungry than before. For some, it was the first time they had ever experienced this. This reduction in hunger helped ease the tension around food and allowed families to have more peaceful meals.

Dr. Annika Janson from Karolinska University Hospital, who presented the findings at the European Congress on Obesity, believes the results are encouraging.

“For many children, not feeling hungry all the time is a new experience. These medications should be made more accessible,” she said.

New Weight-Loss Drug Semaglutide Begins Use in 2024

Following liraglutide, another drug called semaglutide (brand name Wegovy) started being given to patients in 2024. This is a newer GLP-1 receptor agonist, similar to liraglutide, which helps reduce appetite and improve weight loss.

While results from semaglutide use in children are still being gathered, doctors and researchers have high hopes based on how well liraglutide worked. Semaglutide has already shown strong results in adult patients, and experts believe it may offer even better outcomes for children in the future.

UK Tests ‘Smart Scales’ to Help Children Track Weight

In the UK, NHS England has launched a pilot program using digital “smart scales” in 15 pediatric clinics. These scales work differently from normal scales. They do not show the weight to children or families. Instead, the data is sent directly to the clinic through a smartphone app.

Healthcare teams then use the data to track weight trends and provide feedback and encouragement. This allows children to monitor their progress without feeling stressed or judged.

Prof Simon Kenny, NHS England’s clinical director for children, praised the new tool.

“This tool helps track progress and builds healthy habits without children needing to leave home,” he said.

Support for a Gentle and Supportive Approach

The new methods have been welcomed by experts who believe gentle guidance works better than pressure. Tam Fry from the National Obesity Forum said some may see the use of technology or drugs as overreach. Still, he added that families often struggle to understand concepts like BMI (Body Mass Index).

“A subtle, supportive method might be more effective,” Fry said.

This approach aims to help families improve health in a way that feels safe and non-judgmental.

Childhood Obesity: A Growing Global Concern

Childhood obesity has been rising worldwide over the past decades. It is linked to many health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and low self-esteem. Many families also find the daily battle with diet and exercise stressful.

Traditional treatments often focus on lifestyle changes. But these can be hard for children, especially when hunger and appetite are strong. Medical options like GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as liraglutide and semaglutide) are helping fill this gap by reducing hunger and supporting weight loss.

Combining Medical Treatment and Technology

The Swedish study and UK pilot show how combining medicine with technology can improve health outcomes. Weight-loss injections help reduce appetite, while digital tools support monitoring progress and building healthy habits. Together, these methods reduce family stress and create better chances for lasting success.

Making Treatments More Available

Dr. Annika Janson and other experts urge healthcare systems to make these medications more accessible for children who need them. The hope is that more children can benefit from weight loss and better family relationships.

“The benefits are clear,” said Dr. Janson. “Helping children not feel hungry all the time changes lives.”

With new treatments like semaglutide coming into use and innovative tools like smart scales expanding, the future looks more hopeful for families affected by childhood obesity.