Primary care perspectives on prescribing anti‐obesity medication for adolescents

• DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.13146
• Publication Date: 2024-06-17T04:40:05Z
• Authors: Rutha Chivate; Pamela Schoemer; Maya I. Ragavan; Kristin Ray; Megan O. Bensignor; Andrea B. Goldsch...; Mary Ellen Vajravelu
• Keywords: Guideline

Summary Background Recent pediatric guidelines recommend clinicians offer anti‐obesity medication (AOM) as an adjunct to intensive lifestyle intervention. Objective To investigate pediatricians' perspectives about prescribing AOM, including barriers and facilitators. Methods An investigator‐developed survey was emailed primary care physicians ( n = 187) advanced practice providers 190) within academic‐affiliated network. The evaluated how willing were prescribe AOM their agreement with 25 statements Three vignettes explored decision‐making. Multinomial logistic regression used determine relative risk ratios for willingness by each statement. Results Among 74 respondents (20% response rate), 24% willing, 42% uncertain 34% unwilling prescribe. Most (64%) agreed that should be managed only specialists. Willingness associated clinician motivation belief in guideline practicality applicability. Unwillingness beliefs patients would not continue long enough benefit there insufficient time or resources implement. In vignettes, 52% a patient severe obesity metabolic complications, versus 11% possible disordered eating. Conclusions low perceived appropriateness patients.