Explore correlates of interest in and use of non-evidence-based practices (e.g., supplements, home remedies) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1s) for weight loss.
Design
Online cross-sectional survey.
Setting
Healthcare patients of a large academic health system in the Southeast United States.
Sample
Patients (N = 190) with BMI ≥30 kg/m2.
Measures
Interest in and past use of non-evidence-based practices and GLP-1s for obesity, and psychosocial factors, such as distrust in pharmaceutical corporations, preference for naturalness (i.e., favoring approaches described as natural over conventional medications), and expected weight loss were measured.
Analysis
Bivariate associations and multivariable regressions.
Results
Interest in non-evidence-based practices was greater among women and Black/African American patients (P < 0.05) and positively associated with perception of social norms for use (P < 0.01) and weight loss expectations with use (P < 0.05). Past use of non-evidence-based practices was associated with greater pharmaceutical distrust (P < 0.05). Interest in GLP-1s was associated with lower education (P < 0.05) and naturalness preference (P < 0.01), and greater social norms (P < 0.001), weight risk perceptions, and weight loss expectations (P < 0.05). Past use of GLP-1s was associated with lower expected weight loss with GLP-1s (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Findings can inform patient education to help steer patients towards evidence-based treatments and away from ineffective approaches.
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