Attitudinal factors influencing willingness to use anti-obesity medication in adults with obesity

Abstract

Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) improve weight loss and weight-related outcomes, compared with behavioral approaches alone. Despite this, few patients are prescribed AOMs. The aim of the present study was to explore potential psychological factors related to willingness to take AOMs. Adult persons with obesity (PwO) completed an online survey focused on attitudes, perceptions, and motivations around obesity care. Seven predictor factors were identified via exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. A multivariable analysis showed the following to influence willingness to take AOMs: having a doctor involved in their weight loss journey, having experienced social or emotional problems with weight, being motivated to lose weight for social or health reasons, and experiencing weight-related stigma; perceiving that lifestyle intervention is sufficient for maintaining weight loss is a deterrent. Mediation analyses showed that having social or emotional problems because of excess weight and social/health motivations for weight loss were both significant predictors of willingness to take AOMs, with desire for health care provider (HCP) involvement and weight-related stigma positively, and belief in the sufficiency of lifestyle changes negatively, mediating these effects. These findings highlight the complexity of psychological and behavioral factors related to obesity care and how PwO perceive that AOMs may be able to help them.