Wegovy helped 40.4% of children in phase 3 obesity trial reach a non-obese BMI

Novo Nordisk reported that 40.4% of children aged 6 to under 12 with obesity were no longer classified as having obesity after 68 weeks of once-weekly semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy, combined with diet and increased physical activity.

The result came from the phase 3 STEP Young trial, which enrolled 165 children and met its primary endpoint for BMI reduction versus placebo.

No children in the placebo group reached a BMI below the obesity threshold during the study period; however, both groups received lifestyle interventions.

The company said safety and tolerability were consistent with earlier pediatric and adult studies, with no new safety concerns or concerns identified involving growth or pubertal development.

The findings are preliminary company-reported results and do not mean Wegovy is automatically approved for children under 12. Regulatory review and longer-term follow-up are still needed.