Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the level of knowledge about Semaglutide as a means of weight loss treatment among non-diabetic people; the practices related to the consumption of Semaglutide and other lifestyle aspects; possible side effects; and the relationship between lifestyle practices and the level of knowledge.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among 258 healthy individuals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The survey was administered through social media platforms and included questions related to the practice and awareness of the use of Semaglutide (Ozempic®) for weight. The level of awareness was classified into either good or poor depending on the number of correct answers.
Results: The majority of the participants (64.3%) were not on a weight-loss diet regimen, and 43.4% were not engaging in physical activities. Weight loss was diverse, where 18.2% experienced no weight loss, and 9.3% lost 16 to 25 kg. Nausea was the leading side effect observed among 58%, while abdominal pain was encountered by 27%. Further, 82.2% had inadequate knowledge; 44.6% did not identify contraindications, and 28.3% were unaware of the mechanism of action. There was a significant association between exercise frequency and knowledge level (p-value = 0.001).
Conclusion: There was a lack of knowledge on Semaglutide application for weight loss among healthy Saudi adults, and most people who took Semaglutide failed to follow a healthy lifestyle. This pointed toward the need for educational campaigns among patients and the general population in order to increase awareness of using Semaglutide safely.

Key words: Semaglutide, GLP-1 receptor agonist, obesity, knowledge, diet, weight loss, Saudi Arabia