Novo Nordisk: Semaglutide Cuts Obesity in 40% of Kids Under 12
The Spin
Narrative A
This trial shows promising results for semaglutide's effectiveness in children, most of whom had severe cases of obesity, and exercise and diet alone were never going to be enough. Since no safety red flags were raised, the medicine can now be considered viable for improved health outcomes in minors.
Narrative B
Handing appetite-suppressing drugs to children because society lacks the spine to regulate junk food is a moral failure, not a medical breakthrough. During their early years, children are still growing physically, cognitively and emotionally, and rapid weight loss carries real risks that long-term data has not answered. Jumping to prescribing these drugs could be disastrous.
Metaculus Prediction
There is an 82% chance that an oral semaglutide will be approved for the treatment of obesity by the FDA or EMA by 2027, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
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