What Stigmas Still Exist for Weight Loss Medications?
Date of Presentation
5-2-2024 12:00 AM
College
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Poster Abstract
Background and Hypothesis:
Medications for weight loss are becoming far more common as more tolerable formulas have come to the market with some medications offering results almost on par with bariatric surgery. However, studies show a stigma still persists around the discussion and perception around using weight loss medications. The authors of this study hypothesized that one of the biggest hurdles patients face for weight loss medications are the stigmas associated with taking these medicines and approaching the topic.
Methods:
This was a survey-based project that consisted of an anonymous, voluntary questionnaire which was provided to patients during their regular primary care office visit. Responses to the questionnaire were summarized to help determine the different stigmas associated with weight loss medications, with an emphasis on stigma towards phentermine. All data was collected amongst patients 18-89 years of age with a BMI >30 and a diagnosis of obesity.
Results:
In the several months of data collection, a total of four responses were collected. Three of the participants rated the lack of information around weight loss medications being the biggest barrier to pursuing them. All the responses indicated their PCP discussed weight loss with them, while most first heard about weight loss medications from their PCP. Three participants were aware of FDA approval for weight loss medications. Finally, three participants had no preference between injection versus oral medications. Further evaluation of our data is forthcoming.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that most patients find out about weight loss medications from their PCP. The results demonstrated the biggest concerns with taking weight loss medications are the side effect profiles and a lack of familiarity with the different medication options.
Acknowledgement:
The authors thank Rowan Family Medicine for their support. This project was approved by Virtua-RowanSOM IRB.
Keywords
Weight Loss, weight loss medication, Patient Education, Primary Care, Primary Healthcare, Social Stigma, Obesity
Disciplines
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms | Health and Medical Administration | Health Services Research | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms | Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | Primary Care | Public Health Education and Promotion | Therapeutics
Document Type
Poster
DOI
10.31986/issn.2689-0690_rdw.stratford_research_day.138_2024
YouTube Video Link
What Stigmas Still Exist for Weight Loss Medications?
Background and Hypothesis:
Medications for weight loss are becoming far more common as more tolerable formulas have come to the market with some medications offering results almost on par with bariatric surgery. However, studies show a stigma still persists around the discussion and perception around using weight loss medications. The authors of this study hypothesized that one of the biggest hurdles patients face for weight loss medications are the stigmas associated with taking these medicines and approaching the topic.
Methods:
This was a survey-based project that consisted of an anonymous, voluntary questionnaire which was provided to patients during their regular primary care office visit. Responses to the questionnaire were summarized to help determine the different stigmas associated with weight loss medications, with an emphasis on stigma towards phentermine. All data was collected amongst patients 18-89 years of age with a BMI >30 and a diagnosis of obesity.
Results:
In the several months of data collection, a total of four responses were collected. Three of the participants rated the lack of information around weight loss medications being the biggest barrier to pursuing them. All the responses indicated their PCP discussed weight loss with them, while most first heard about weight loss medications from their PCP. Three participants were aware of FDA approval for weight loss medications. Finally, three participants had no preference between injection versus oral medications. Further evaluation of our data is forthcoming.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that most patients find out about weight loss medications from their PCP. The results demonstrated the biggest concerns with taking weight loss medications are the side effect profiles and a lack of familiarity with the different medication options.
Acknowledgement:
The authors thank Rowan Family Medicine for their support. This project was approved by Virtua-RowanSOM IRB.