‘This Is My Decision’: A Qualitative Study of Individuals' Perspectives on Use of Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Individuals using semaglutide for weight loss constitute a new, sizeable patient group, yet limited qualitative research of this group exists. Therefore, we explored their perspectives, including motivation for treatment, attitudes towards the medication and experiences with its use. Semistructured interviews with seven individuals (five women, average age 50 years, average treatment duration 9 months) were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using systematic text condensation. We identified three themes: 'I have absolutely run out of options', 'I am lucky to have a cooperative doctor' and 'It's the feeling of being normal'. Using semaglutide for weight loss was considered a life-changing event, as most respondents were concerned about declining physical health due to overweight. Most showed strong autonomy in managing their treatment, including delaying dose increases, reducing the dose or taking individual doses by 'counting clicks'. Our data suggest a need for more support from healthcare professionals to guide individuals using semaglutide for weight loss, particularly in dosing, monitoring and managing side effects, with an emphasis on individualized and holistic care. Further research on individuals' perspectives related to weight loss and semaglutide use is needed to maintain and improve individuals' quality of life. SUMMARY: More people are using semaglutide to lose weight, but we still know little about their experiences. To learn more, we interviewed seven users. Many saw the treatment as life-changing, having struggled with overweight and concerns about their health. It was important to them to manage the dose themselves. Some delayed increasing the dose or took less than recommended by 'counting clicks'. Our findings show that people using semaglutide for weight loss need more support from healthcare professionals-especially with dosing, side effects and personal guidance. More research is needed to better support these users and improve their quality of life.