Last updated September 12, 2026
Key finding
Estimated treatment difference (ETD) -0.89 kg/m²; P = .036
This study evaluated the efficacy of liraglutide compared to placebo for weight loss in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes, revealing some reduction in BMI metrics.
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The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
High Risk
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study evaluated the efficacy of liraglutide compared to placebo for weight loss in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes, revealing some reduction in BMI metrics.
Managing weight in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes is crucial as obesity can exacerbate diabetes complications. The findings suggest that liraglutide may be a viable option for weight management in this demographic, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life.
The study's findings may not be generalizable due to the specific age range of participants. Limited follow-up duration may affect the assessment of long-term efficacy. The unclear effectiveness of liraglutide at week 26 raises questions about sustained benefits.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Megan OB, Eric MB, Carolyn TB, et al. Liraglutide versus placebo for weight loss in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes: a post hoc analysis of the ellipse trial. Pediatric Obesity. 2021;16(8):e12778. doi:10.1111/ijpo.12778
Liraglutide reduced absolute BMI by -0.89 kg/m² compared to placebo (p=0.036).
Liraglutide resulted in a -2.73% change in BMI compared to placebo (p=0.028).
No significant differences in BMI metrics were observed at week 26.
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Liraglutide and Body Mass Index (BMI) change.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Liraglutide
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
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Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
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Evidence pairs
501
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Primary evidence
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Evidence topic
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Liraglutide → Body Mass Index (BMI) change
Liraglutide → Body Mass Index (BMI) change
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Body Mass Index.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Medications
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
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Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists may affect body mass index.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Body Mass Index (BMI) change
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 20 supporting studies with consistent results and a positive effect signal.
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