Retrospective Assessment of Food Noise Changes After Initiation of Injectable Semaglutide for Weight Management in the USA: The INFORM Survey

INTRODUCTION: 'Food noise', persistent and intrusive thoughts about food that can disrupt daily life, has emerged as a concern for individuals with obesity, and often impacts quality of life. Recent anecdotal reports suggest that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, may reduce food noise. Research is needed to characterize food noise in real-world populations and to quantify the impact of weight management treatments on its presentation and intensity. We present findings from the INFORM survey, which assessed perceived changes in food noise among US adults receiving injectable semaglutide for weight management. METHODS: Individuals recruited from Numerator's opinion panel were asked to complete 22 multiple choice questions, including the five-item Food Noise Questionnaire (FNQ). RESULTS: (86%) and had used semaglutide for at least 4 months (81%). Based on recollection of food noise before initiating semaglutide, the median FNQ score was 13 [interquartile range (IQR) 10-16] out of a possible maximum score of 20. After initiation of semaglutide, the median FNQ score was 6 (IQR 3-10). Overall median change was -5 (IQR -10, -2). The proportion of participants agreeing/strongly agreeing with statements indicating the presence of food noise decreased from 47-63% before semaglutide to 15-20% after. These reductions were consistent across subgroups defined by treatment duration and BMI. Most respondents (83%) reported treatment satisfaction, particularly those with longer treatment duration, and the majority agreed that their mental health, self-confidence, lifestyle and habits had improved since initiating semaglutide. CONCLUSION: Further prospective, longitudinal research is warranted to fully characterize these apparent promising effects of semaglutide for weight management, and their relationship with clinical outcomes.