Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess awareness, perception, and concerns of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) among Taif City population, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 500 adults in Taif City. Data were collected through an online questionnaire including demographics and questions to assess awareness, perceptions, and concerns about AOMs.
Results: Out of the 514 participants, 54.3% were aged 20–39 years and 63.4% were females. Among them, 42.8% had information about anti-obesity drugs, 66.5% disagreed that anyone can use these drugs to lose weight, and 26.8% identified a body mass index > 30 kg/m2 as the threshold for use. More than half (55.4%) could correctly describe the mechanisms of action, and 80.5% believed that these drugs could result in a weight loss of 3–8 kg per year. The most frequently reported side effects were nausea and vomiting (41.8%), 72% thought that anti-obesity drugs might increase the risk of pancreatitis, and 53.5% agreed that they would use anti-obesity drugs if advised by a physician. The primary concern regarding these medications was potential side effects (68.5%). Overall, 89% of participants demonstrated good awareness of AOMs, and good awareness was higher among females, those concerned about side effects, who believed specific groups should avoid the drugs, and who thought specific guidelines should be available for their use.
Conclusion: Health care professionals can enhance public awareness about AOMs and address these concerns to improve perceptions and management of obesity.

Key words: Awareness, perception, concerns, anti-obesity medications, Saudi Arabia