Patient Experiences and Safety Concerns Regarding GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Authors

• Mansour A Tobaiqy, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaFollow
• Sulafa T. Alqutub, Departmant of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaFollow
• Mohammed A. Alzahrani, College of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaFollow
• Renad H. Alazwari, College of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaFollow
• Faisal A. Asiri, College of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaFollow

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the perceptions, experiences, and safety concerns of patients regarding the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Obesity is a significant public health issue. The newer anti-obesity medications: GLP-1 receptor agonists, with an increase in therapeutic options. However, little is known about the perceived benefits, safety, cost, and accessibility. Methods: Cross-sectional survey included adults who previously used at least 1 anti-obesity medication and conducted in 3 general hospitals in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during June 2025 to February 2026. The questionnaire was created after reviewing the current evidence and validated the contents. It included questions on demographic and clinical information, medication use patterns, perceptions, and safety experiences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 365 participants (median age: 41 years; 55.3% female) included, with a median body mass index (BMI) of 29.59 kg/m² and 48.6% were obese. Current medication use was 63.3%, associated with diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, family obesity history, and higher BMI. Duration of use was statistically significant (p = 0.001), with tirzepatide used for longer durations and semaglutide for shorter durations. Perceived safety was significantly associated with the duration of use (p = 0.001). Despite adverse effects reporting, many questioned effectiveness, information adequacy and safety. Conclusion: Substantial gaps in perceived effectiveness, safety confidence, affordability, and therapy continuity of GLP-1 receptor. This highlights need for structured education, improved access, and system interventions to improve anti-obesity pharmacotherapy adherence.

Article Type

Original Study

First Page

1516

Last Page

1523

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Recommended Citation

Tobaiqy, Mansour A; Alqutub, Sulafa T.; Alzahrani, Mohammed A.; Alazwari, Renad H.; and Asiri, Faisal A. (2026) "Patient Experiences and Safety Concerns Regarding GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 47: Iss. 9, Article 10.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.8842