Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on the Use of Antidiabetic Medications for Weight Loss: A Cross-Sectional Study in...

The growing use of antidiabetic medications for weight loss has raised concerns about public awareness, safety and appropriate use. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding antidiabetic medications use for weight loss among Lebanese adults and identified associated factors.

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Lebanese adults between June and July 2025 using convenience sampling through social media. The questionnaire was adapted from published instruments, expert-reviewed and pilot-tested. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, KAP and medication use were collected. Knowledge and attitude scores were calculated, and factors associated with medication use were evaluated by multivariable regression.

A total of 405 participants were included. Mean knowledge and attitude scores were 69.39 ± 8.71 and 69.11 ± 5.54 (out of 100), indicating moderate knowledge and cautious attitudes. Higher education and healthcare-related employment were independently associated with higher knowledge and more appropriate attitudes toward safe use of antidiabetic medications, whereas previous weight-control complications were associated only with more appropriate attitudes. Overall, 12.3% reported using antidiabetic medications for weight loss, primarily semaglutide. Among users, 62.0% experienced side effects, 46.0% reported weight regain after discontinuation, and 32.0% used these medications without medical consultation. Medication use was associated with smoking (aOR 3.13, 95% CI 1.53-6.38), prior weight-control complications (aOR 8.50, 95% CI 3.27-22.12), higher knowledge scores (aOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.09), and adherence to a weight-loss diet (aOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.35-3.60), while higher occupational physical activity was inversely associated (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.41-0.84).

Lebanese adults demonstrated moderate knowledge and generally appropriate attitudes toward the safe use of antidiabetic medications for weight loss. Reported side effects, weight regain and unsupervised use underscore the need for public education, physician-guided counselling and stronger oversight. Findings should be interpreted considering the cross-sectional design and convenience sampling, limiting causal inference and generalizability.