Loading
Life sciences · Journal article
Obesity Pillars · September 2, 2026
No summary has been generated for this record yet. What follows is drawn from its source metadata only.
Journal article.
No findings were extractable from the material analysed.
Safety was not reported in the material analysed. Check the source before drawing any conclusion about harm.
The source did not state who this applies to in practice.
Graded across the dimensions that decide whether you should act, each from what the source actually supports. There is no single score, and where a dimension was not assessed it says so.
This record has not been graded across any dimension yet. Treat the label above as provisional and read the source.
What is missing. This record has no bottom line, key findings, reported figures, evidence dimensions. That is a gap in the analysis, not a judgement about the study.
Background. Real-world evidence describing the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for adolescent obesity in Saudi Arabia remains limited. This study aimed to characterize current GLP-1 RA use, evaluate specialty-based variation in prescribing practices, and explore healthcare professionals' perspectives on barriers to prescribing, training needs, and clinical guidance.Methods. This was a national cross-sectional survey study conducted among physicians and clinical nutritionists practicing in Saudi Arabia between December 2024 and July 2025. The survey assessed prescribing practices, clinical perspectives, perceived barriers, and educational needs related to the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for adolescent obesity. Comparisons across healthcare specialties were performed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, and reflexive thematic analysis was applied to responses to an optional open-ended question.Results. A total of 140 healthcare professionals completed the survey, of whom 30% reported prescribing GLP-1 RAs for adolescent obesity. Pharmacological treatment was reported more frequently by endocrinologists and bariatric surgeons than by family medicine physicians, general pediatricians, and clinical nutritionists (p < 0.001). Among the 42 GLP-1 RA prescribers, reported treatment duration differed significantly across specialties (p = 0.017). Nausea was the most frequently reported adverse effect among prescribers (95%). Treatment cost, safety concerns, limited training, and the need for clearer national guidance were identified as major barriers. Qualitative findings reinforced the need for standardized prescribing criteria, monitoring recommendations, and multidisciplinary care.Conclusions. Considerable specialty-based variation exists in GLP-1 RA prescribing practices for adolescent obesity in Saudi Arabia. These findings support the development of standardized national guidance, targeted professional education, and multidisciplinary care pathways to promote consistent, safe, and evidence-based prescribing.