Patient Experiences With GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
JAMA Network Open 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.16951June 05, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT
What are the experiences of patients taking glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), and how can their experiences improve clinical care?This qualitative study involving thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with 30 participants found that patients using GLP-1 RAs experienced a substantial reduction in psychological hunger, a wide spectrum of adverse effects, and a willingness to tolerate adverse effects to achieve weight loss. External factors included variable care quality, perceived stigma, and access barriers.These findings suggest that GLP-1 RAs are not a standalone solution to weight loss but may facilitate increased agency over lifestyle changes, and that standardized guidelines for patient education and clinical support, alongside behavioral interventions, may improve long-term adherence and outcomes.
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