GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: Clinical Outcomes and the Impact of Nutritional and Behavioral Co-Interventions-A Systematic Review.

Myśliwczyk D, Gofron KK, Wasilewski A, Myśliwiec M, Wasilewska E

Nutrients22 May 2026

PMID42280306PMCIDPMC13258732DOI10.3390/nu18111662PepBankPUB-42280306

Summary

Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D), are increasingly used for the management of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. However, the impact of concomitant lifestyle interventions, which vary in scope, structure, and intensity, remains unclear. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted from April to December 2025 (last update: 12 December 2025), in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. Randomized and observational studies including patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, with or without T2D, treated with GLP-1 RAs or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, were included. Anthropometric outcomes, metabolic parameters, and the scope and structure of concomitant nutritional and behavioral interventions were assessed. Results: Fifteen studies (12 interventional [RCT/non-RCT] and 3 observational), including 1448 participants, were analyzed: liraglutide (n = 6), exenatide (n = 5), semaglutide (n = 1), dulaglutide (n = 1), tirzepatide (n = 1), and lixisenatide (n = 1). Intervention duration ranged from 6 to 68 weeks. Reported BMI reductions varied across studies and pharmacological agents, with semaglutide trials reporting reductions of up to -16.1%. Lifestyle interventions were heterogeneously reported, ranging from general dietary advice to structured, multidisciplinary programs including nutritional counseling, physical activity, and behavioral or family support. Due to heterogeneity in study design and reporting, the independent contribution of lifestyle interventions could not be determined. Conclusions: Available evidence suggests that GLP-1 RAs may represent an effective therapeutic option for children and adolescents with obesity and metabolic disorders. However, available evidence is largely derived from studies incorporating inconsistently reported lifestyle interventions, limiting the ability to disentangle pharmacological and lifestyle effects. Standardized reporting and studies specifically designed to assess their independent and combined effects are needed. Future research should standardize the reporting of lifestyle protocols (e.g., using TIDieR), incorporate validated measures of eating behavior, food preferences, and dietary intake, and use designs (e.g., factorial or stratified randomization of lifestyle intensity) that allow for the pharmacological and behavioral contributions to be quantified separately. This review highlights a critical and previously underexplored methodological gap regarding the structure and reporting of lifestyle co-interventions in pediatric GLP-1 trials.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study10

1 result from studies that gave the peptide. 1 result from people.

01HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a systematic review of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity, semaglutide trials reported BMI reductions of up to -16.1%.
In plain wordsIn a review of children and adolescents aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, semaglutide trials reported BMI reductions of up to 16.1%.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
DecreaseBMI reduction
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Measurements
Maximum reported BMI change
−16.1%
semaglutide trials; source says reductions of up to -16.1%, not a common point estimate
Source sentences
Summary
Reported BMI reductions varied across studies and pharmacological agents, with semaglutide trials reporting reductions of up to -16.1%.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted from April to December 2025 (last update: 12 December 2025), in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement.
Summary · context
Randomized and observational studies including patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, with or without T2D, treated with GLP-1 RAs or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, were included.
Summary · context
Fifteen studies (12 interventional [RCT/non-RCT] and 3 observational), including 1448 participants, were analyzed: liraglutide (n = 6), exenatide (n = 5), semaglutide (n = 1), dulaglutide (n = 1), tirzepatide (n = 1), and lixisenatide (n = 1).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4228030601

Studies that did not test the peptide alone9

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.

02HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewOther
In a systematic review of patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, reported BMI reductions varied across studies and pharmacological agents.
In plain wordsIn a review of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity, BMI results varied across studies and drugs.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Not applicableBMI reduction heterogeneity across pharmacological agents
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Source sentences
Summary
Reported BMI reductions varied across studies and pharmacological agents, with semaglutide trials reporting reductions of up to -16.1%.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted from April to December 2025 (last update: 12 December 2025), in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement.
Summary · context
Randomized and observational studies including patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, with or without T2D, treated with GLP-1 RAs or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, were included.
Summary · context
Fifteen studies (12 interventional [RCT/non-RCT] and 3 observational), including 1448 participants, were analyzed: liraglutide (n = 6), exenatide (n = 5), semaglutide (n = 1), dulaglutide (n = 1), tirzepatide (n = 1), and lixisenatide (n = 1).
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.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4228030602
03HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewOther
In a systematic review of patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, reported BMI reductions varied across studies and pharmacological agents.
In plain wordsIn a review of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity, BMI results varied across studies and drugs.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
Not applicableBMI reduction heterogeneity across pharmacological agents
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Source sentences
Summary
Reported BMI reductions varied across studies and pharmacological agents, with semaglutide trials reporting reductions of up to -16.1%.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted from April to December 2025 (last update: 12 December 2025), in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement.
Summary · context
Randomized and observational studies including patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, with or without T2D, treated with GLP-1 RAs or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, were included.
Summary · context
Fifteen studies (12 interventional [RCT/non-RCT] and 3 observational), including 1448 participants, were analyzed: liraglutide (n = 6), exenatide (n = 5), semaglutide (n = 1), dulaglutide (n = 1), tirzepatide (n = 1), and lixisenatide (n = 1).
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.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4228030603
04HumanNot a test of Tirzepatide aloneSystematic reviewOther
In a systematic review of patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, reported BMI reductions varied across studies and pharmacological agents.
In plain wordsIn a review of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity, BMI results varied across studies and drugs.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
Not applicableBMI reduction heterogeneity across pharmacological agents
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Source sentences
Summary
Reported BMI reductions varied across studies and pharmacological agents, with semaglutide trials reporting reductions of up to -16.1%.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted from April to December 2025 (last update: 12 December 2025), in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement.
Summary · context
Randomized and observational studies including patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, with or without T2D, treated with GLP-1 RAs or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, were included.
Summary · context
Fifteen studies (12 interventional [RCT/non-RCT] and 3 observational), including 1448 participants, were analyzed: liraglutide (n = 6), exenatide (n = 5), semaglutide (n = 1), dulaglutide (n = 1), tirzepatide (n = 1), and lixisenatide (n = 1).
In this study, Tirzepatide 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 Tirzepatide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4228030604
05HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewOther
In a systematic review of patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, lifestyle interventions were heterogeneously reported.
In plain wordsIn a review of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity, lifestyle programs were reported inconsistently.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Not applicableLifestyle intervention reporting heterogeneity
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Overall treatment effect · Whole body
Source sentences
Summary
Lifestyle interventions were heterogeneously reported, ranging from general dietary advice to structured, multidisciplinary programs including nutritional counseling, physical activity, and behavioral or family support.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted from April to December 2025 (last update: 12 December 2025), in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement.
Summary · context
Randomized and observational studies including patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, with or without T2D, treated with GLP-1 RAs or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, were included.
Summary · context
Fifteen studies (12 interventional [RCT/non-RCT] and 3 observational), including 1448 participants, were analyzed: liraglutide (n = 6), exenatide (n = 5), semaglutide (n = 1), dulaglutide (n = 1), tirzepatide (n = 1), and lixisenatide (n = 1).
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.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4228030605
06HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewOther
In a systematic review of patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, lifestyle interventions were heterogeneously reported.
In plain wordsIn a review of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity, lifestyle programs were reported inconsistently.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
Not applicableLifestyle intervention reporting heterogeneity
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Overall treatment effect · Whole body
Source sentences
Summary
Lifestyle interventions were heterogeneously reported, ranging from general dietary advice to structured, multidisciplinary programs including nutritional counseling, physical activity, and behavioral or family support.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted from April to December 2025 (last update: 12 December 2025), in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement.
Summary · context
Randomized and observational studies including patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, with or without T2D, treated with GLP-1 RAs or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, were included.
Summary · context
Fifteen studies (12 interventional [RCT/non-RCT] and 3 observational), including 1448 participants, were analyzed: liraglutide (n = 6), exenatide (n = 5), semaglutide (n = 1), dulaglutide (n = 1), tirzepatide (n = 1), and lixisenatide (n = 1).
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.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4228030606
07HumanNot a test of Tirzepatide aloneSystematic reviewOther
In a systematic review of patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, lifestyle interventions were heterogeneously reported.
In plain wordsIn a review of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity, lifestyle programs were reported inconsistently.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
Not applicableLifestyle intervention reporting heterogeneity
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Overall treatment effect · Whole body
Source sentences
Summary
Lifestyle interventions were heterogeneously reported, ranging from general dietary advice to structured, multidisciplinary programs including nutritional counseling, physical activity, and behavioral or family support.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted from April to December 2025 (last update: 12 December 2025), in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement.
Summary · context
Randomized and observational studies including patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, with or without T2D, treated with GLP-1 RAs or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, were included.
Summary · context
Fifteen studies (12 interventional [RCT/non-RCT] and 3 observational), including 1448 participants, were analyzed: liraglutide (n = 6), exenatide (n = 5), semaglutide (n = 1), dulaglutide (n = 1), tirzepatide (n = 1), and lixisenatide (n = 1).
In this study, Tirzepatide 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 Tirzepatide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4228030607
08HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewOther
In a systematic review of patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, the independent contribution of lifestyle interventions could not be determined.
In plain wordsIn a review of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity, lifestyle programs' independent contribution could not be determined.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Not applicableIndependent lifestyle-intervention contribution
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Overall treatment effect · Whole body
Source sentences
Summary
Due to heterogeneity in study design and reporting, the independent contribution of lifestyle interventions could not be determined.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted from April to December 2025 (last update: 12 December 2025), in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement.
Summary · context
Randomized and observational studies including patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, with or without T2D, treated with GLP-1 RAs or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, were included.
Summary · context
Fifteen studies (12 interventional [RCT/non-RCT] and 3 observational), including 1448 participants, were analyzed: liraglutide (n = 6), exenatide (n = 5), semaglutide (n = 1), dulaglutide (n = 1), tirzepatide (n = 1), and lixisenatide (n = 1).
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.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4228030608
09HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewOther
In a systematic review of patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, the independent contribution of lifestyle interventions could not be determined.
In plain wordsIn a review of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity, lifestyle programs' independent contribution could not be determined.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
Not applicableIndependent lifestyle-intervention contribution
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Overall treatment effect · Whole body
Source sentences
Summary
Due to heterogeneity in study design and reporting, the independent contribution of lifestyle interventions could not be determined.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted from April to December 2025 (last update: 12 December 2025), in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement.
Summary · context
Randomized and observational studies including patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, with or without T2D, treated with GLP-1 RAs or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, were included.
Summary · context
Fifteen studies (12 interventional [RCT/non-RCT] and 3 observational), including 1448 participants, were analyzed: liraglutide (n = 6), exenatide (n = 5), semaglutide (n = 1), dulaglutide (n = 1), tirzepatide (n = 1), and lixisenatide (n = 1).
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.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4228030609
10HumanNot a test of Tirzepatide aloneSystematic reviewOther
In a systematic review of patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, the independent contribution of lifestyle interventions could not be determined.
In plain wordsIn a review of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity, lifestyle programs' independent contribution could not be determined.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
Not applicableIndependent lifestyle-intervention contribution
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Overall treatment effect · Whole body
Source sentences
Summary
Due to heterogeneity in study design and reporting, the independent contribution of lifestyle interventions could not be determined.
3 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted from April to December 2025 (last update: 12 December 2025), in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement.
Summary · context
Randomized and observational studies including patients aged 6-19 years with overweight or obesity, with or without T2D, treated with GLP-1 RAs or dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, were included.
Summary · context
Fifteen studies (12 interventional [RCT/non-RCT] and 3 observational), including 1448 participants, were analyzed: liraglutide (n = 6), exenatide (n = 5), semaglutide (n = 1), dulaglutide (n = 1), tirzepatide (n = 1), and lixisenatide (n = 1).
In this study, Tirzepatide 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 Tirzepatide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4228030610

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
12 Oct 2026, 11:11 UTC
Study results updated
Versions 2 to 3
9 Oct 2026, 03:07 UTC
The same notice was added 2 times, first on 9 Oct 2026, 03:06 UTC. The status did not change between them.
Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 03:04 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

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GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: Clinical Outcomes and the Impact of Nutritional and Behavioral Co-Interventions-A Systematic Review.

Summary

Results from this study10

Studies that did not test the peptide alone9

Version history

Subjects

Publication types

MeSH terms

Keywords