Community Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Counseling Competence on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Care in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study

Dilara Bayram-Ozgur,1 Ecenur Demirtürk,1 Yigitcan Sar1,2 1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Türkiye; 2Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, TürkiyeCorrespondence: Dilara Bayram-Ozgur, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Kerem Aydınlar Campus, Kayisdagi Cad. No: 32, Atasehir, Istanbul, 34752, Türkiye, Tel +902165004036, Email [email protected]: The use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), including liraglutide and semaglutide, has expanded rapidly due to their effectiveness in weight management and glycemic control. Rising public interest, off-label cosmetic use, and prescription-free requests highlight the critical role of community pharmacists in ensuring appropriate patient counselling, safe dispensing, and rational use of these agents. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists regarding GLP-1 RAs in Türkiye.Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 community pharmacists in Türkiye between January and April 2025. Data were collected using a structured, literature-based questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes, knowledge, and professional practices. Knowledge was evaluated using a 25-item scoring system. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA, with significance set at p< 0.05.Results: Requests for semaglutide and liraglutide were primarily for weight loss purposes (82.6% and 79.4%, respectively), and these agents were often sought without a prescription (over 60%) or medical recommendation (over 35%). The mean knowledge score was 15.8± 4.3. Differences were observed across gender, professional experience, and pharmacy setting (p< 0.05), with higher scores among female pharmacists, those with more than 16 years of experience, and those working in shopping mall pharmacies. Although most respondents correctly identified both medications as GLP-1 RAs (85.6% for semaglutide; 83.6% for liraglutide), gaps remained in regulatory awareness and consistency of routine counselling. A substantial proportion perceived misuse, with over 60% reporting concerns for both medications.Conclusion: Community pharmacists demonstrate moderate knowledge and active involvement in counselling for GLP-1 RAs; however, gaps persist in addressing off-label demand and safety-related patient guidance. Targeted pharmacist education and clearer regulatory communication may enhance safe and evidence-based use of GLP-1 RAs.Plain Language Summary: People around the world are showing great interest in new medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medicines, such as liraglutide and semaglutide, were first created to help people manage type 2 diabetes, but they are now widely used for weight loss. Because public demand is rising quickly—often without medical advice—community pharmacists are becoming the first professionals people turn to for information.We conducted a survey with 500 community pharmacists in Türkiye to understand how much they know about these medicines and how they guide people who want to use them. Pharmacists told us that most people request these medicines mainly for weight loss, and many ask for them without a prescription. Pharmacists also reported that they often have to explain how to use the injections, how to store them safely at home, and what side effects to expect.Our results show that pharmacists have a moderate level of knowledge. Many understand the basic information, but some important gaps remain, especially around official approval, correct dosing, and safety recommendations. Pharmacists with more experience tended to know more, and those working in busy locations such as shopping malls reported higher patient demand.These findings highlight how important pharmacists are in helping people make safe and informed choices. As interest in weight loss medicines continues to grow, pharmacists need clear guidance, reliable training, and strong public health communication to support responsible use. Improving knowledge and counselling may help prevent misuse and protect the wellbeing of people seeking these treatments.Keywords: medication misuse, off-label use, pharmacovigilance, pharmacy practice assessment, weight-loss pharmacotherapy