As the prevalence of obesity rises in the U.S., so does the incidence of pediatric type 2 diabetes (T2D), which is associated with more aggressive disease progression than in adults. From 2002-2012, the incidence of T2D in youth increased by 7% annually in the U.S. Compared to adults. T2D in adolescents is a much more progressive and recalcitrant disease, characterized by more rapid deterioration of β-cell function and earlier incidence of exogenous insulin dependence and diabetes-related comorbidities. A potential factor that drives the rapid progression of adolescent T2D is obesity (body mass index \[BMI\] \>95th percentile. Effective and safe treatments targeting both obesity and β-cell dysfunction are needed for pediatric T2D. In 2012, the FDA approved the use of Phentermine/Topiramate for the treatment of obesity in adults. This orally-administered medication is available in mid- (phentermine 7.5 mg; topiramate 46 mg) and high- (phentermine 15 mg; topiramate 92 mg) doses, administered once per day. In a meta-analysis, phentermine/topiramate was shown to be one of the most effective obesity medication currently available. A large dose-ranging trial in adults evaluating phentermine and topiramate as monotherapies vs. phentermine/topiramate demonstrated superior efficacy of the combination with an acceptable safety profile. Results from a large phase III clinical trial demonstrated placebo-subtracted weight loss of \>9% with treatment for one year at the top dose. Importantly, a separate trial demonstrated that the treatment effect is durable out to at least two years.41 The most common side effects in these trials were paresthesia, dizziness, dysgeusia, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth. Improvements were noted in blood pressure, lipids, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, C-reactive protein, and adiponectin.
Age range
12 Years – 20 Years
Sex
ALL
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Change in Body Mass Index
Timeframe: 6 Months