Patient Knowledge of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Obesity and Exploration of Potential Household-Level Effects in an Urban Health System.

Abstract

Background: The use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for obesity management has gained widespread popularity and media attention. However, little is known about patients' knowledge related to GLP-1 RAs (e.g., prescribing indications, side effects), how patients currently learn and wish to learn about GLP-1 RAs, and how GLP-1 RA use may impact weight-related behaviors and attitudes within households (e.g., food purchasing patterns).

Objective: This study evaluated these questions among diverse adults recruited from a large, urban health system.

Methods: Participants were recruited to complete a brief online questionnaire through flyers posted in several outpatient clinics within a large health system. Recruitment occurred from November 2024 to April 2025. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results: Fifty-two patients completed the questionnaire. Overall, 98% of participants had heard at least "a little" about GLP-1 RAs. The conditions participants most commonly believed could benefit from use were obesity (88%), diabetes (75%), and high blood pressure (43%). The side effects they had heard most about were nausea/vomiting (71%), diarrhea (49%), and constipation (47%). Expected amount of weight loss and understanding of GLP-1 RAs' mechanisms of action varied widely. The most common GLP-1 RA information source was commercials/advertisements (73%); however, the most frequently preferred information source was healthcare professionals (87%). In exploratory analyses among patients with current or past GLP-1 RA use and ≥ 1 other household member (n = 12), 75% believed their use impacted adult household members' attention to weight, eating, or exercise; 50% believed GLP-1 RA use impacted child/adolescents household members' attention to these matters; and 42% reported perceived weight loss among household adult(s). All GLP-1 RA users reported changes in their household meal behaviors, and many reported shifts toward more healthful food purchases.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that many patients understand the primary indications for GLP-1 RAs for obesity and common side effects, while also highlighting opportunities for improved decision support. Additional research on a potential "ripple effect" within households using larger samples and more robust methods is warranted.