Prevalence and factors associated with weight loss medicine usage in the Hail population, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Background and aim: The rising prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia is alarming, with studies indicating that over 35% of the adult population is classified as obese. This study determines the prevalence and associated risk factors associated with weight loss medicine usage in the Hail papulation, Saudi Arabia.

Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in King Salman Hospital, Hail. A total of 463 participants were recruited in the study through simple random sampling. A validated and structured questionnaire was used. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with weight loss medicine usage and awareness. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The prevalence of anti-obesity drug use was 29.2%, with higher use found among never smokers (82.2%) and those with a body mass index (BMI) of 24.9-29.9 kg/m² (69.6%). Most anti-obesity drugs used were sold over the counter (46.71%) or prescribed by doctors (35.1%). The factors significantly associated with anti-obesity drug use included being in the 31-60 age group (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.87, P value 0.004), having primary education (AOR 2.90, P value 0.045), and having no past medical or surgical history (AOR 2.76, P value 0.000). Among all participants, 54% were believed that affordability is important to used anti-obesity.

Conclusion: The study highlights a relatively high prevalence of anti-obesity drug use, particularly among individuals with a BMI in the overweight range. Socio-demographic factors such as age, education, and health history influence the use of these medications. Interventions targeting affordability and promoting natural weight management methods may be important in addressing obesity treatment approaches.