Perceptions of anti-obesity medications among people with obesity and healthcare providers in the US: Findings from the OBSERVE Study.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to understand the perceptions of and drivers/barriers to antiobesity medication (AOM) use among people with obesity (PwO) and health care providers (HCPs) in the United States. In 2022, PwO and HCPs completed cross-sectional surveys that included questions on perceptions of obesity management and AOMs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Survey participants (1007 PwO and 474 HCPs) emphasized the effectiveness of lifestyle change and the patient's responsibility to address obesity. PwO reported a willingness to take newly approved AOMs long term. HCPs believed that their patients would adhere to AOMs long term if they experienced success. Both PwO and HCPs perceived an increased effectiveness of a multimodal approach to combining AOMs with HCP-guided lifestyle intervention. Potential barriers to long-term use of AOMs for both groups included concerns regarding long-term side effects and outcomes, costs and insurance coverage, and perception of AOMs that do not align with treatment of a chronic disease. PwO and HCPs are interested in new AOM options, but educational gaps remain as a barrier to recommended multimodal chronic care. Ongoing education that includes the known effectiveness and safety data of newer AOMs and pending outcome trials could improve shared decision-making in obesity care.