Patient perspectives on incretin-based weight loss medications and relationship with demographic factors.

Abstract

Objective: Treatment of obesity has been transformed by the recent approval of incretin-based therapies for weight loss (e.g., glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist semaglutide), but little is known about patient perspectives on these medications.

Methods: Between December 2023 and March 2024, healthcare patients from an academic medical center in the Southeast United States with Body Mass Index ≥30 kg/m² completed a cross-sectional online survey on attitudes toward incretin-based medications.

Results: Compared to patients with a bachelor's degree, those without a degree were less likely to be aware of incretin-based pharmacotherapies (96% vs. 78%) and to have discussed pharmacotherapies with a doctor (43% vs. 27%) but had greater interest in using these pharmacotherapies (4.3 vs. 4.7). These pharmacotherapy-related variables did not differ significantly according to gender, race, or financial security. Concerns about side effects, long-term health risks, and potential for weight regain were highly endorsed and were associated with lower interest in using incretin-based therapies and with some demographic factors. Patients reported high interest in lifestyle programs designed for individuals taking anti-obesity medications.

Conclusion: Demographic considerations, notably education level, should be factored into the strategy to promote equitable utilization of incretin-based therapies, particularly as their accessibility expands.