Changes in Eating Behaviour During Treatment With Obesity Medications

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease influenced by biological, environmental and behavioural factors. Pharmacological therapies have demonstrated substantial effects in weight loss, appetite suppression and modulation of food-related thoughts; however, the long-term effects of medications and eating behaviours across treatment phases throughout time remain poorly understood. This qualitative study involves 31 semi-structured interviews exploring patients in the dynamic and stable phase of weight loss. The interviews were conducted, transcribed, then analysed thematically. The five main themes that emerged were hunger, fullness, thoughts of food, portion size and palatability. The dynamic phase reported profound appetite suppression, early fullness, reduced 'food noise' with diminished cravings and smaller portion size. Portion control remained a persistent behavioural change across both phases. Long-term goals shifted from weight loss in the dynamic phase to weight maintenance in the stable phase. This transition is best described as a spectrum of change rather than a strict dichotomy. With a perceived loss of efficacy, some also report consideration of switching medications, especially in the stable phase. Overall, this cross sectional, patient-centred qualitative study may change practice of prescribers, policymakers, and the focus of future research.