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How do patients choose between obesity medications: A thematic analysis
Alvin Mondoh1,2,3, Hilary Craig1,2, Michael Crotty3
1Diabetes Complications Research Centre, Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Introduction:
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.
Methods:
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.
Results:
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.
Conclusion:
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.
Insights
Patient choices for obesity medications are influenced by effectiveness, safety, and practicality. Clear information and support from healthcare providers are crucial for successful obesity management and treatment adherence.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Obesity is a growing global health concern linked to severe conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
- While obesity medications can manage the condition, patient selection criteria remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how patients choose between different obesity medications.
- To identify key factors influencing patient decision-making in pharmacotherapy for obesity.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative thematic analysis was performed.
- Fifteen treatment-naive adults with obesity (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) and weight-related complications participated.
Main Results:
- Five major themes emerged: medication effectiveness, decision-making information, safety, practicality, and individual/community support.
- Concerns regarding side effects and long-term risks were significant barriers to initiating or adhering to obesity pharmacotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Patient preferences for obesity medications are shaped by efficacy, safety, and healthcare provider information, especially when medications are accessible and free.
- Enhancing patient adherence and outcomes requires healthcare providers to offer clear, comprehensive information and robust support systems.
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