About The Study: The findings of this systematic review and network meta-analysis suggest that combining lifestyle treatment with obesity management medications was associated with the greatest short-term (typically 6 to 12 months) weight reduction in adolescents with obesity. Health behavior and lifestyle treatment remained an indispensable component of any effective weight management, delivering meaningful weight loss and healthier body composition on its own. Combined with lifestyle treatment, pharmacotherapy was a key component, not solely an adjunct, associated with the greatest body mass index (BMI) and BMI z score improvements, and long-term sustainability and safety were monitored.
Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Bjorn T. Tam, PhD, email bjorntam@hkbu.edu.hk .
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(doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2026.2248)
Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.
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JAMA Pediatrics