Lifestyle change + weight loss drugs = the best way to help teens with obesity

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-06-23 01:00

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Chinese and European scientists pooled and re-analysed the data from 42 previous 'gold standard' trials of treatments for teenagers with obesity, including 3,835 teens in total, to reach a definitive conclusion about what works best. The results showed that combining lifestyle treatment with weight loss drugs was linked with the biggest short-term weight loss, typically measured at between six and 12 months. The researchers say lifestyle change should not be neglected as weight loss drugs become more widespread because the studies showed lifestyle change can deliver meaningful weight loss and healthier body composition without the need for drugs, while kids given the drugs without any lifestyle interventions didn't lose as much weight. However, the biggest losses in weight were seen when lifestyle change was combined with drugs, they conclude.

News release

From: JAMA

Obesity Management Pharmacotherapies and Lifestyle Treatment for Pediatric Obesity Management

About The Study: The findings of this systematic review and network meta-analysis suggest that combining lifestyle treatment with obesity management medications was associated with the greatest short-term (typically 6 to 12 months) weight reduction in adolescents with obesity. Health behavior and lifestyle treatment remained an indispensable component of any effective weight management, delivering meaningful weight loss and healthier body composition on its own. Combined with lifestyle treatment, pharmacotherapy was a key component, not solely an adjunct, associated with the greatest body mass index (BMI) and BMI z score improvements, and long-term sustainability and safety were monitored.

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Journal/
conference: JAMA Pediatrics

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Hong Kong Baptist University, China

Funder: This study was funded by initiation grant 160300 for Faculty Niche Research Area and grant 162894, a Tier 1 Research Start-Up Grant from Hong Kong Baptist University.

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