Exploring Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Usage Among Non-Diabetic Healthcare Providers: A Cross-Sectional Multi-Country Study

Abstract

Background and Aim

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) were initially developed for type 2 diabetes but have gained widespread use for weight management, including among non-diabetic individuals. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of GLP-1RA use, describe usage patterns, and explore healthcare providers' (HCPs) perceptions of their efficacy and safety.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 657 HCPs from 10 countries using a structured online survey between September and December 2023. Convenience sampling was employed, statistical analyses were performed using STATA 17. Associations between demographic characteristics and perceptions of GLP-1RAs were analyzed using the chi-square test.

Results

Among 657 HCPs, 59.2% were female and 40.8% were male, with a median age of 36.0 years (IQR: 29.0–44.0) and a median BMI of 26.7 (IQR: 23.8–30.7). Among professional groups, nurses accounted for 44.7%, followed by physicians (36.2%) and allied health professionals (18.7%). Semaglutide (45.7%, 95% CI: 41.8%−49.5%) was the most commonly used GLP-1RA, followed by Liraglutide (36.9%, 95% CI: 33.2%−40.8%). Other GLP-1RAs were used less frequently, including Dulaglutide (17.0%, 95% CI: 14.2%−20.1%), Exenatide (14.1%, 95% CI: 11.5%−17.0%), Albiglutide (7.0%, 95% CI: 5.1%−9.2%), and Lixisenatide (8.5%, 95% CI: 6.5%−10.9%. Regarding perceived safety, 68.6% considered GLP-1RAs safe. Safety perceptions were significantly associated with educational level (p = 0.022), with participants holding higher degrees being more likely to perceive GLP-1RAs as unsafe (18.3%) compared to those with a bachelor's degree or lower (10.8%). No associations were found with age (p = 0.487), sex (p = 0.729), or BMI (p = 0.089). Similarly, 73.5% of participants considered GLP-1RAs effective for perceived efficacy. No associations were found with sex (p = 0.663) or BMI (p = 0.446). Older participants (p = 0.011) and those with higher education (p = 0.006) were more likely to perceive GLP-1RAs as ineffective.

Conclusion

This study provides the first prevalence estimate of GLP-1RA use among HCPs and GLP1-Ras users and explores the associations between demographic characteristics and perceptions of safety and efficacy. The findings highlight the self-prescribing practices of these medications for weight management and underscore the need for appropriate monitoring to avoid potential health risks.