Extreme pediatric obesity, the fastest growing category of obesity in youth, is associated
with high risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM).
Obesity tracks strongly into adulthood and interventions early in life may reduce risk for
developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Few drug therapies for weight loss
have been evaluated in adolescents. Since exenatide is associated with weight loss and
improves risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in adults, it may be
useful in extremely obese youth. Our primary objective in this study is to generate
preliminary data on the ability of exenatide to reduce body mass index (BMI) and improve risk
factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in 26 extremely obese adolescents (age
12-19 years) in a three-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical
trial. GLP-1 therapy has never been evaluated as a treatment for pediatric obesity and is an
innovative approach to a challenging and significant health care problem.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
University of Minnesota University of Minnesota - Clinical and Translational Science Institute