Weight Loss Drugs For Kids

Obesity has become a global epidemic, and is a common teenage health problem in the developed world. Childhood and adolescent obesity can cause earlier mortality in adulthood. It is difficult and complicated to help children lose weight, as their bodies are still growing, so great caution -- and a physician's approval -- should be used when restricting their food consumption or using weight-loss medications. Two drugs have shown efficacy and safety in kids' weight management.

Meridia

Sibutramine, better known as Meridia, has shown some promise in helping teenagers lose weight, according to the My Overweight Child website. Meridia may increase sensations of satiety or fullness after eating smaller amounts of food, and decrease interest in food. In studies done with human adults, it produced somewhat modest weight loss with continued use. That is to say, people may regain weight once they stop using the medications. Some preliminary studies have shown inconclusive benefits for teenagers. Meridia may increase blood pressure. Other side effects have also been reported.

Xenical

Xenical, or orlistat, has been tested for its effectiveness in managing weight in overweight adolescents, according to a study led by Chanoine and published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association." The year-long study recruited more than 500 obese adolescents and evaluated the efficacy and safety of Xenical in combination with a mildly reduced-calorie diet, exercise and behavioral therapy. Body Mass Index, or BMI, was used as the main efficacy parameter as it considers both in height and weight, both of which change rapidly in growing children. In the study, adolescents treated with Xenical reduced BMI, body fat and waist circumference. In regards to Xenical's side effects, similar adverse events to those seen in adults were reported, and therefore Xenical is considered well-tolerated in teenagers. Xenical's use in the management of obese adolescents aged 12 to 16 years is found in the drug's United States label. Europe's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, issued a positive recommendation for use of Xenical in adolescents in April 2005, according to the Roche website.

Alternatives to Drugs

Pediatricians and child psychologists recommend trying to help teenagers lose weight by exercise, low-fat and low-sugar foods, more fiber in the diet and distraction from food. Specialized weight-loss camps and other programs, including Weight Watchers, may be useful. Most weight-loss drugs have not been tested in children, and even with the two mentioned above, weight-loss drugs for children should be used as a last resort.