Efficacy and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists for adolescents and children with obesity: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Chen Q, Liu H, Xu J, Zhou Y, Ma J

BMC endocrine disorders30 Mar 2026

PMID41913139PMCIDPMC13159308DOI10.1186/s12902-026-02248-4PepBankPUB-41913139

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Summary

The text of this summary is not shown here, because the article license does not allow reuse. Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)

Text rights: CC BY-NC-ND. Results still quote short attributed sentences.

Results from this study14

No result from this study comes from a test of the peptide.

Studies that did not test the peptide alone14

In this study, the peptide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking the peptide.

01HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including liraglutide reduced body weight versus placebo (MD -4.5, 95% CI -6.40 to -2.60).
In plain wordsIn children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced body weight versus placebo.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
DecreaseBody weight
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Measurements
Mean difference in body weight
−4.5
versus placebo; 95% CI -6.40 to -2.60
Source sentences
Summary
Compared with placebo, GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduced body weight (MD = -4.50; 95% CI: -6.40 to -2.60; P < 0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (MD = -1.65; 95% CI: -2.05 to -1.26; P < 0.00001), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (MD = -0.34%; 95% CI: -0.63 to -0.05; P = 0.02), and fasting blood glucos…
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo in children and adolescents with obesity.
Summary · context
Fourteen RCTs comprising 1349 participants were included, with 810 patients assigned to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment (liraglutide [n = 317], exenatide [n = 125], semaglutide [n = 265], dulaglutide [n = 103]) and 539 to placebo.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191313901
02HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide reduced body weight versus placebo (MD -4.5, 95% CI -6.40 to -2.60).
In plain wordsIn children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced body weight versus placebo.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
DecreaseBody weight
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Measurements
Mean difference in body weight
−4.5
versus placebo; 95% CI -6.40 to -2.60
Source sentences
Summary
Compared with placebo, GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduced body weight (MD = -4.50; 95% CI: -6.40 to -2.60; P < 0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (MD = -1.65; 95% CI: -2.05 to -1.26; P < 0.00001), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (MD = -0.34%; 95% CI: -0.63 to -0.05; P = 0.02), and fasting blood glucos…
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo in children and adolescents with obesity.
Summary · context
Fourteen RCTs comprising 1349 participants were included, with 810 patients assigned to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment (liraglutide [n = 317], exenatide [n = 125], semaglutide [n = 265], dulaglutide [n = 103]) and 539 to placebo.
In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191313902
03HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including liraglutide reduced BMI versus placebo (MD -1.65, 95% CI -2.05 to -1.26).
In plain wordsIn children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced BMI versus placebo.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
DecreaseBody mass index
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Measurements
Mean difference in BMI
−1.65
versus placebo; 95% CI -2.05 to -1.26
Source sentences
Summary
Compared with placebo, GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduced body weight (MD = -4.50; 95% CI: -6.40 to -2.60; P < 0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (MD = -1.65; 95% CI: -2.05 to -1.26; P < 0.00001), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (MD = -0.34%; 95% CI: -0.63 to -0.05; P = 0.02), and fasting blood glucos…
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo in children and adolescents with obesity.
Summary · context
Fourteen RCTs comprising 1349 participants were included, with 810 patients assigned to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment (liraglutide [n = 317], exenatide [n = 125], semaglutide [n = 265], dulaglutide [n = 103]) and 539 to placebo.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191313903
04HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide reduced BMI versus placebo (MD -1.65, 95% CI -2.05 to -1.26).
In plain wordsIn children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced BMI versus placebo.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
DecreaseBody mass index
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Measurements
Mean difference in BMI
−1.65
versus placebo; 95% CI -2.05 to -1.26
Source sentences
Summary
Compared with placebo, GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduced body weight (MD = -4.50; 95% CI: -6.40 to -2.60; P < 0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (MD = -1.65; 95% CI: -2.05 to -1.26; P < 0.00001), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (MD = -0.34%; 95% CI: -0.63 to -0.05; P = 0.02), and fasting blood glucos…
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo in children and adolescents with obesity.
Summary · context
Fourteen RCTs comprising 1349 participants were included, with 810 patients assigned to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment (liraglutide [n = 317], exenatide [n = 125], semaglutide [n = 265], dulaglutide [n = 103]) and 539 to placebo.
In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191313904
05HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including liraglutide reduced HbA1c versus placebo (MD -0.34%, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.05).
In plain wordsIn children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced HbA1c versus placebo.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
DecreaseHemoglobin A1c
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Measurements
Mean difference in HbA1c
−0.34%
versus placebo; 95% CI -0.63 to -0.05
Source sentences
Summary
Compared with placebo, GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduced body weight (MD = -4.50; 95% CI: -6.40 to -2.60; P < 0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (MD = -1.65; 95% CI: -2.05 to -1.26; P < 0.00001), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (MD = -0.34%; 95% CI: -0.63 to -0.05; P = 0.02), and fasting blood glucos…
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo in children and adolescents with obesity.
Summary · context
Fourteen RCTs comprising 1349 participants were included, with 810 patients assigned to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment (liraglutide [n = 317], exenatide [n = 125], semaglutide [n = 265], dulaglutide [n = 103]) and 539 to placebo.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191313905
06HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide reduced HbA1c versus placebo (MD -0.34%, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.05).
In plain wordsIn children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced HbA1c versus placebo.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
DecreaseHemoglobin A1c
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Measurements
Mean difference in HbA1c
−0.34%
versus placebo; 95% CI -0.63 to -0.05
Source sentences
Summary
Compared with placebo, GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduced body weight (MD = -4.50; 95% CI: -6.40 to -2.60; P < 0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (MD = -1.65; 95% CI: -2.05 to -1.26; P < 0.00001), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (MD = -0.34%; 95% CI: -0.63 to -0.05; P = 0.02), and fasting blood glucos…
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo in children and adolescents with obesity.
Summary · context
Fourteen RCTs comprising 1349 participants were included, with 810 patients assigned to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment (liraglutide [n = 317], exenatide [n = 125], semaglutide [n = 265], dulaglutide [n = 103]) and 539 to placebo.
In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191313906
07HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including liraglutide reduced fasting blood glucose versus placebo (MD -0.21, 95% CI -0.41 to -0.01).
In plain wordsIn children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced fasting glucose versus placebo.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
DecreaseFasting blood glucose
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Measurements
Mean difference in fasting blood glucose
−0.21
versus placebo; 95% CI -0.41 to -0.01
Source sentences
Summary
Compared with placebo, GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduced body weight (MD = -4.50; 95% CI: -6.40 to -2.60; P < 0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (MD = -1.65; 95% CI: -2.05 to -1.26; P < 0.00001), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (MD = -0.34%; 95% CI: -0.63 to -0.05; P = 0.02), and fasting blood glucos…
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo in children and adolescents with obesity.
Summary · context
Fourteen RCTs comprising 1349 participants were included, with 810 patients assigned to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment (liraglutide [n = 317], exenatide [n = 125], semaglutide [n = 265], dulaglutide [n = 103]) and 539 to placebo.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191313907
08HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide reduced fasting blood glucose versus placebo (MD -0.21, 95% CI -0.41 to -0.01).
In plain wordsIn children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced fasting glucose versus placebo.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
DecreaseFasting blood glucose
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Glycemic control · Metabolic and weight
Measurements
Mean difference in fasting blood glucose
−0.21
versus placebo; 95% CI -0.41 to -0.01
Source sentences
Summary
Compared with placebo, GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduced body weight (MD = -4.50; 95% CI: -6.40 to -2.60; P < 0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (MD = -1.65; 95% CI: -2.05 to -1.26; P < 0.00001), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (MD = -0.34%; 95% CI: -0.63 to -0.05; P = 0.02), and fasting blood glucos…
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo in children and adolescents with obesity.
Summary · context
Fourteen RCTs comprising 1349 participants were included, with 810 patients assigned to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment (liraglutide [n = 317], exenatide [n = 125], semaglutide [n = 265], dulaglutide [n = 103]) and 539 to placebo.
In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191313908
09HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including liraglutide had similar overall adverse events to placebo.
In plain wordsIn children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists had similar overall adverse events to placebo.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Not applicableOverall adverse events
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Adverse events · Whole body
Source sentences
Summary
The overall incidence of adverse events was similar between groups, with no significant difference in serious adverse events.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo in children and adolescents with obesity.
Summary · context
Fourteen RCTs comprising 1349 participants were included, with 810 patients assigned to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment (liraglutide [n = 317], exenatide [n = 125], semaglutide [n = 265], dulaglutide [n = 103]) and 539 to placebo.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191313909
10HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide had similar overall adverse events to placebo.
In plain wordsIn children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists had similar overall adverse events to placebo.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
Not applicableOverall adverse events
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Adverse events · Whole body
Source sentences
Summary
The overall incidence of adverse events was similar between groups, with no significant difference in serious adverse events.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo in children and adolescents with obesity.
Summary · context
Fourteen RCTs comprising 1349 participants were included, with 810 patients assigned to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment (liraglutide [n = 317], exenatide [n = 125], semaglutide [n = 265], dulaglutide [n = 103]) and 539 to placebo.
In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191313910
11HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including liraglutide did not significantly differ from placebo in serious adverse events.
In plain wordsIn children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists did not significantly differ from placebo in serious adverse events.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
No significant changeSerious adverse events
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Adverse events · Whole body
Source sentences
Summary
The overall incidence of adverse events was similar between groups, with no significant difference in serious adverse events.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo in children and adolescents with obesity.
Summary · context
Fourteen RCTs comprising 1349 participants were included, with 810 patients assigned to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment (liraglutide [n = 317], exenatide [n = 125], semaglutide [n = 265], dulaglutide [n = 103]) and 539 to placebo.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191313911
12HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide did not significantly differ from placebo in serious adverse events.
In plain wordsIn children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists did not significantly differ from placebo in serious adverse events.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
No significant changeSerious adverse events
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Adverse events · Whole body
Source sentences
Summary
The overall incidence of adverse events was similar between groups, with no significant difference in serious adverse events.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo in children and adolescents with obesity.
Summary · context
Fourteen RCTs comprising 1349 participants were included, with 810 patients assigned to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment (liraglutide [n = 317], exenatide [n = 125], semaglutide [n = 265], dulaglutide [n = 103]) and 539 to placebo.
In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191313912
13HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including liraglutide had more frequent gastrointestinal adverse events than placebo.
In plain wordsIn children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists had more frequent gastrointestinal adverse events than placebo.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
IncreaseGastrointestinal adverse events
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal
Source sentences
Summary
However, gastrointestinal adverse events were more frequent in the GLP-1 receptor agonist group.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo in children and adolescents with obesity.
Summary · context
Fourteen RCTs comprising 1349 participants were included, with 810 patients assigned to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment (liraglutide [n = 317], exenatide [n = 125], semaglutide [n = 265], dulaglutide [n = 103]) and 539 to placebo.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191313913
14HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide had more frequent gastrointestinal adverse events than placebo.
In plain wordsIn children and adolescents with obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists had more frequent gastrointestinal adverse events than placebo.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
IncreaseGastrointestinal adverse events
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal
Source sentences
Summary
However, gastrointestinal adverse events were more frequent in the GLP-1 receptor agonist group.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP-1 receptor agonists with placebo in children and adolescents with obesity.
Summary · context
Fourteen RCTs comprising 1349 participants were included, with 810 patients assigned to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment (liraglutide [n = 317], exenatide [n = 125], semaglutide [n = 265], dulaglutide [n = 103]) and 539 to placebo.
In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191313914

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 4Current
21 Oct 2026, 18:59 UTC
Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC
Version 3
12 Oct 2026, 11:11 UTC
Study results updated
Version 2
9 Oct 2026, 03:06 UTC
Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 03:04 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

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