Managing the new wave of weight loss medication in general practice: A qualitative study

Abstract

In early 2023, a new type of weight loss medication, Wegovy (semaglutide), was made available in Denmark. Both subsequent media coverage and public demand were huge. Wegovy is only available by prescription, primarily via general practitioners. However, there is very little knowledge about how healthcare professionals (HCPs) in general practice might deal with the great demand for and attention surrounding a new weight loss drug. The aim of this qualitative study was, therefore, to explore how Wegovy is managed and negotiated in general practice, particularly in terms of prescribing and follow-up. We conducted a focused ethnography study based on direct observation of consultations and both formal and informal interviews with seven doctors and four nurses from three general practices in Denmark. Using discourse analysis, we identified four central discourses revolving around trust in medicine, individual responsibility for health, the cost of weight loss medication, and the importance of shared decision-making. This study shows that the availability of a new, sought-after weight loss medication presents both opportunities and challenges for HCPs in general practice. The management of Wegovy involves numerous factors, including medical, economic, organizational, interpersonal and moral concerns.