Journal Article Epublish
PubMed: 42902646 DOI: 10.59556/japi.74.1709
Perspectives on Newer Antiobesity Drugs (Semaglutide and Tirzepatide) among Healthcare Professionals Treating Obesity in South Asia: A Cross-sectional Survey.
J Assoc Physicians India 74(9):67-70
Authors: Khushboo Agarwal, Lakshmi Nagendra, Saptarshi Bhattacharya, Sourabh Sharma, Abm Kamrul-Hasan, Nitin Kapoor, Dina Shreshtha, Sambit Das, Shehla Sheikh, Rucha Mehta, Aswin Pankaj, Musarrat Riaz, Sanjay Kalra
Affiliations
- Department of Endocrinology, Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, *Corresponding Author.
- Associate Professor, Department of Endocrinology, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.
- Consultant, Department of Endocrinology, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganj, Delhi, India.
- Associate Professor, Department of Nephrology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
- Department of Endocrinology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Mymensingh Division, Bangladesh.
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Department of Endocrinology, Norvic International Hospital, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal, India.
- Professor and Head, Department of Endocrinology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
- Department of Endocrinology, KGN Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
- Department of Endocrinology, EDMO Clinic, Cardiometabolic Department, Apollo CVHF Heart Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
- Consultant, Department of Endocrinology, NMC Royal Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Endocrinology, National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha Campus, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
- Department of Endocrinology, Bharti Research Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Karnal, Haryana, India.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in South Asia, contributing significantly to metabolic diseases and economic burdens. Newer antiobesity medications (AOMs), such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, show promising efficacy but face barriers such as high costs and limited familiarity among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study explored perceptions, prescribing practices, efficacy, safety concerns, and barriers to AOM use among HCPs managing obesity in South Asia.
METHODS
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from May to September 2025 among 552 HCPs (physicians, endocrinologists, bariatric surgeons, nephrologists, gastroenterologists, and dieticians) specializing in obesity care, recruited via social media groups using convenience sampling. The questionnaire, developed from prior surveys and pilot-tested, assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding AOMs. Descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.
RESULTS
Of 552 responses, 86.4% were from India. Endocrinologists (62.9%) and internists (21.6%) dominated, with varied experience levels. Key factors influencing prescriptions included efficacy (83%), affordability (75.9%), and safety (58.9%). Reported efficacy was high with 51.7% of the patients achieving > 10% weight loss. Barriers encompassed high costs (93.8%), side effect fears (46.2%), and poor adherence (41.3%). Biosimilars were available to 52.7%, with 78.6% of HCPs open to them if efficacy/safety matched originators.
CONCLUSIONS
South Asian HCPs recognize AOMs' transformative potential but are hindered by costs, safety, and access. Biosimilars could enhance equity, but require robust data and regulation. Targeted education, reimbursement policies, and region-specific evidence are essential to optimize AOM integration in obesity management.
MeSH
Cross-Sectional Studies, Safety, Anti-Obesity Agents, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Obesity, Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals, Semaglutide