INTRODUCTION: Semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy) is the first second-generation anti-obesity medication approved by the FDA for long-term obesity treatment. Given the effectiveness of semaglutide 2.4 mg compared to first-generation anti-obesity medications and amid ongoing national shortages, understanding the real-world experiences of individuals using semaglutide 2.4 mg is crucial. This qualitative study aims to explore the narratives of individuals using semaglutide 2.4 mg for weight management, as expressed in Reddit posts.
METHODS: One thousand posts from the r/WegovyWeightLoss subreddit between October 10, 2022, and October 6, 2023, were retrospectively analyzed. After excluding irrelevant posts, 660 posts were included in the analysis. A codebook was collaboratively developed and data was coded using qualitative software. Themes were finalized and reviewed.
RESULTS: Seven themes were identified from the analysis: medication efficacy (29.4% of coded posts), psychosocial impact of weight loss (22.8%), side effects management (13.3%), barriers to access (10.7%), lifestyle modification (10.2%), support and community (9.2%), and stigma surrounding use of semaglutide 2.4 mg for weight loss (4.4%).
CONCLUSION: This qualitative analysis of Reddit posts provides valuable insights into the real-world experiences of individuals using semaglutide 2.4 mg for weight management. By understanding these user experiences, healthcare providers can better tailor obesity treatment plans and enhance patient-centered care for those using second-generation anti-obesity medications like semaglutide 2.4 mg.