ECO 2025: Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Incretin-Based Anti-Obesity Medications: Insights from Healthcare Professionals and Patients’ Experiences
Introduction:
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are reported as the most common adverse events associated with incretin-based anti-obesity medications (AOM). Although these symptoms may be mitigated through dietary modifications, comprehensive knowledge and experience regarding their management remains limited among healthcare professionals (HCPs), highlighting the need for developing practical recommendations.
Objective:
To explore the perceptions and experiences of both patients and HCPs regarding GI side effects of incretin-based AOM, highlighting the unique perspectives of each group.
Methods:
- Design: Qualitative descriptive study.
- Participants: Two focus groups with seven HCPs (physicians [MD] and dietitians [RD]) and semi-structured interviews with eight patients receiving incretin-based AOM.
- Analysis: Qualitative content analysis of interview data.
Results:
Two major themes emerged:
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Types of common GI symptoms |
Importance of preliminary education.
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Timing of GI side-effect onset |
Tailored dose escalation |
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Diagnostic challenges |
Dietary and lifestyle modifications for symptom control |
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Impact on quality of life and treatment continuity |
Use of medical therapies to relieve symptoms |
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Multidisciplinary follow-up |
Conclusion:
New characteristics of GI side effects were identified in the study, and detailed prevention and management strategies were proposed by HCPs. These insights may be useful for both HCPs and patients to enhance care quality and improve adherence to incretin-based AOM.
ECO, 11-14 May 2025, Malaga, Spain
