Phenomix Sciences has revealed the results from a US weight loss survey from 475 patients who have struggled with excess weight or are currently living with overweight or obesity. The survey provides valuable insights into patients’ evolving preferences for obesity treatment, how they receive this information and what that means for the future of anti-obesity medications, like GLP-1s.
“The results of this survey reflect a notable evolution for obesity treatment. The new obesity medications have reinforced the long overdue need to treat obesity as a disease and it’s clear patients welcome that change,” explained Mark Bagnall, CEO of Phenomix Sciences. “However, as this transition continues, it is clear, too, that there needs to be more focus on how patients receive weight loss information and utilize available treatments backed by scientific research.”
The survey findings reveal the majority of patients are interested in treating obesity as a medical condition, with nearly 90% interested or seeking treatment to lose weight. However, less than 50% said that a healthcare professional has given them effective guidance and/or an effective treatment plan for weight loss.
The responders said that exercise was the most effective way to lose weight followed by diet, medication and behavioural intervention. Only 6% said surgery was most effective for them, although the survey did not report how many of the total number of responders had undergone a bariatric procedure (Figure 1).
Two-thirds (66 percent) of patients surveyed prefer guidance from clinical care providers to manage their weight loss. The survey also highlights patients’ growing desire to personalise obesity care to their specific needs. Nearly two-thirds of patients surveyed (62 percent) are interested in learning more about their condition through genetic testing and want an obesity intervention tailored to their genetic findings. This data indicates strong momentum for personalised medicine as a cornerstone in the treatment of obesity. In addition, 53 percent of them are willing to pay for a genetic obesity test.
"Getting expert clinical advice on managing weight loss, as opposed to information readily consumed on social media platforms, is vital for patients' ongoing success in their weight loss journey,” said Dr Zaid Jabbar, an obesity medicine physician with Duly Health and Care. “This survey shows that patients are more likely than ever to talk with their provider about taking control of their weight loss, and we know that involving a healthcare provider improves treatment adherence significantly. By offering the MyPhenome test in our clinic, we believe we can now offer better care and positively impact patients' perspectives on their weight loss journey, ultimately changing the conversation with our patients for the better."
While the patient perspective is shifting to a more clinical mindset surrounding obesity care, respondents largely noted they first learned about GLP-1s and weight loss medications via TV (36 percent) and social media, including TikTok (28 percent), Instagram/Facebook (26 percent) and Twitter/X (20 percent). This is in contrast to just 17 percent hearing about it from a healthcare provider, showcasing a continued need for patient education and communication surrounding clinical weight loss solutions backed by scientific evidence.
Interestingly, over 50% of responders said the primary reason for not using prescription medications or injectables for weight management is side effects, followed by costs and access (Figure 2). Conversely, those who had used prescription medications or injectables costs and side effects were the greatest reasons, not side effects.
“We’ve seen that there is no ‘one-size-fits all’ solution, even with new and effective medications, and the average patient with obesity is now expressing a growing curiosity about the root causes of obesity”, added Bagnall. “Our goal is to reach patients where they are, whether that’s providing the MyPhenomeTM test to obesity medicine providers in local markets and clinics or through telehealth platforms like Hello Alpha. These partnerships not only enhance patient outcomes but also contribute substantially to addressing and mitigating the global epidemic of obesity.”
To view the survey results in full, please click here
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