How Common Is GLP-1 Use for Weight Loss in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province?
A cross-sectional survey found notable GLP-1 RA use for weight loss among overweight/obese adults in Eastern Saudi Arabia, with specific demographic factors predicting use.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
GLP-1 RA use for weight management was prevalent among overweight/obese adults in Eastern Saudi Arabia, with specific demographic and health factors predicting use.
Key Numbers
How They Did This
Cross-sectional survey using an online self-administered questionnaire with chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis.
Why This Research Matters
Understanding real-world patterns of GLP-1 RA use for weight loss helps healthcare systems plan for demand, education needs, and appropriate prescribing oversight.
The Bigger Picture
The global surge in GLP-1 RA use for weight loss, including off-label use, is reshaping obesity treatment patterns in ways that public health systems need to track and manage.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Self-reported survey data subject to recall bias; online questionnaire may not reach all demographic groups; single region limits generalizability.
Questions This Raises
- ?What proportion of GLP-1 RA weight loss use is off-label vs. prescribed for obesity?
- ?How do usage patterns in the Eastern Province compare to other Saudi regions?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Eastern Province survey Assessing real-world GLP-1 RA weight loss use patterns in Saudi adults
- Evidence Grade:
- Cross-sectional survey — describes prevalence and associations but cannot establish causation or temporal relationships.
- Study Age:
- Published 2026. Survey data from December 2024.
- Original Title:
- Prevalence and Factors Associated with GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use for Weight Management Among Overweight and Obese Adults in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
- Published In:
- Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 14(3) (2026)
- Authors:
- Alhussain, Khalid, Alshakhs, Zainab, Albaqshi, Layla, Alshaqaqiq, Fawatim, Alrabiah, Mohammed, Tripathi, Rina
- Database ID:
- RPEP-14742
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Are many people in Saudi Arabia using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss?
This survey found notable prevalence of GLP-1 RA use for weight management among overweight and obese adults in the Eastern Province, reflecting the global trend of increasing use.
What factors predict who uses these medications?
The study identified specific demographic and health-related factors associated with GLP-1 RA use, which can help target education and prescribing efforts.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-14742APA
Alhussain, Khalid; Alshakhs, Zainab; Albaqshi, Layla; Alshaqaqiq, Fawatim; Alrabiah, Mohammed; Tripathi, Rina. (2026). Prevalence and Factors Associated with GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use for Weight Management Among Overweight and Obese Adults in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 14(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14030345
MLA
Alhussain, Khalid, et al. "Prevalence and Factors Associated with GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use for Weight Management Among Overweight and Obese Adults in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.." Healthcare (Basel, 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14030345
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Prevalence and Factors Associated with GLP-1 Receptor Agonis..." RPEP-14742. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/alhussain-2026-prevalence-and-factors-associated
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.