Vaishnavi Peyyety, Margaret Jankowski, Sarah Apte, Jasmine Sindelar, Rawan Elrajabi, Tammy Chang, Kendrin Sonneville, Mary Ellen Vajravelu
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) has surged in popularity for its weight loss effects. Its widespread media coverage may have an outsized impact on adolescents and young adults due to their higher engagement in social media and their vulnerability to unintended consequences of weight-related discourse (e.g., body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, weight stigma). This study aimed to determine youth familiarity with and opinions about use of medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss.
Methods: Five open-ended questions were asked to 753 youth participants (14-24 years) in the MyVoice nationwide text message poll in March 2024. Responses were analyzed using content analysis and coding differences resolved by consensus. Differences by demographic characteristics were explored using chi-square tests.
Results: Overall, 547 (73%) youth responded; average age was 20.4 ± 2.5 years, with 50.3% identifying as female. Nearly three-quarters (73.6%) had heard of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, but the majority (57.5%) stated that these medications should not be used by youth. Three primary concerns arose: (1) safety; (2) inappropriate use; and (3) role of personal responsibility for healthy lifestyle (a belief that was more common among males than females or other gender).
Discussion: Awareness about semaglutide was high, but perceptions of use were generally negative or hesitant, particularly among males, who emphasized the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors. Hesitancy due to safety concerns and the role of weight stigma should be explored to determine the potential impact on users of such medications when medically indicated.
期刊介绍：
The Journal of Adolescent Health is a scientific publication dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of adolescents and young adults. Our Journal covers a broad range of research topics, spanning from the basic biological and behavioral sciences to public health and policy. We welcome a variety of contributions, including original research papers, concise reports, literature reviews, clinical case reports, opinion pieces, and letters to the editor. We encourage professionals from diverse disciplines such as Anthropology, Education, Ethics, Global Health, Health Services Research, Law, Medicine, Mental and Behavioral Health, Nursing, Nutrition, Psychology, Public Health and Policy, Social Work, Sociology, and Youth Development to share their expertise and contribute to our mission of promoting adolescent health. Moreover, we value the voices of young individuals, family and community members, and healthcare professionals, and encourage them to submit poetry, personal narratives, images, and other creative works that provide unique insights into the experiences of adolescents and young adults. By combining scientific peer-reviewed research with creative expressions, our Journal aims to create a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in adolescent and young adult health.
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