Experience and Perceptions of Anti-obesity Medications Among Persons With Obesity or Overweight

Background: While several antiobesity medications (AOMs) are approved for use in the US, only a small percentage of persons meeting BMI eligibility criteria have ever used an AOM. The OBSERVE Study examined the perceptions of persons with BMI 27-29.9 kg/m2 with >1 comorbidity or BMI>30 kg/m2 to identify barriers to AOM utilization. Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted in May-June 2022 in a diverse US sample of people with obesity or overweight. Participants were asked about their history with AOMs and perceptions about a hypothetical, newly approved AOM. Results: Participants (n=917) had a mean BMI of 36.0 kg/m2 and mean age of 47.2 years. 62.8% were female (62.8%) and 53.3% White. Two-thirds (64.2%) were unaware of prescription AOMs. Only 19.9% had ever taken an AOM, but 49.5% said they would be likely or very likely to try a newly approved AOM (29.6% undecided). Likelihood of trying an AOM rose to 69.1% if the AOM was recommended by their primary healthcare provider (HCP). 66.7% would likely try an AOM if it helped address obesity-related illnesses, and 67.1% would do so if the AOM was covered by insurance. 46.9% were receptive to taking an AOM long-term (35.8% undecided). Respondents were most concerned about the costs of AOMs (61.4% quite a bit or very concerned) and potential future side effects (55.1%). Among those previously treated, the most common reasons for stopping the AOM were a recommendation from an HCP (up to 31.1%), development of side effects (25.0%) and cost (up to 20.6%). Conclusions: Currently, public awareness of prescription AOMs is relatively low, and only 20% of PwO had a lifetime history of AOM use. HCP recommendations, insurance coverage, cost, side effects, and expected duration of use are most likely to influence a patient's decision to take an AOM, suggesting that greater HCP understanding of the benefits, risks and optimal use of AOMs and improved communication of that information to patients could improve the effective utilization of these therapies.