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Study wrapper · #1075

Real-World Use of Subsidised Semaglutide in Icelandic Children With Obesity: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study.

Thorsteinsdottir S, Jonsdottir B, Olafsdottir AS, et al. Pediatric obesity. 2026.
SupportedCohortMentions: Semaglutide

Editor's note

This real-world cohort adds population-level evidence that semaglutide is associated with weight-trajectory reversal in adolescents with grade 2 obesity. As a retrospective observational study without a control arm, it cannot isolate the medication's contribution from other factors, and the authors note high persistence may partly reflect universal subsidisation. The findings are consistent with trial data and reasonably strong for their design.

Plain-language abstract

In a nationwide cohort of 113 Icelandic children with obesity, semaglutide was associated with reversal of a long-standing upward weight trajectory, with about 63% achieving meaningful reductions over 12 months. Neurodevelopmental status did not significantly change the response, though that comparison was underpowered.