How do patients choose between obesity medications: A thematic analysis

The rising prevalence of obesity is of particular concern due to its association with a range of serious complications, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. Obesity medications can control the disease but it is unclear how patients choose which medication to use.

A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted to investigate how patients select between obesity medications. Fifteen treatment naive adults with a body mass index ≥27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related complications were recruited.

The 5 major themes depicting how patients make selections included 1) Effectiveness of medication, 2) Information to make decisions, 3) Safety of medications, 4) Practicality and 5) Individual Strategies and Community Supports in Obesity Management. Safety concerns of side effects and long-term risks were perceived major barriers to initiating or adhering to pharmacotherapy.

In a situation where the medications are described as being free and readily available, patient preferences for obesity medications are shaped by treatment efficacy, safety, information provided by healthcare providers. To enhance adherence and improve patient outcomes, healthcare providers should focus on delivering clear, comprehensive information and fostering strong support systems for patients.