Managing excessive body weight: communication aspects of patient interaction with pharmacy institutions

Obesity is one of the most pressing medical and social problems of our time and affects the quality of life and health of the population. Despite global trends toward integrating pharmacies into the primary healthcare system and expanding their role in the prevention and management of chronic noncommunicable diseases, domestic pharmacies currently remain poorly integrated into such services. Pharmacists, as accessible primary health care professionals, can play a key role in the prevention and control of excess weight. The aim of the study was to identify the main problems faced by patients when visiting pharmacies for weight control and to develop directions for improving their provision. A survey was conducted among visitors to pharmacies in the city of Kyiv. A total of 172 respondents participated in the study. The sample was formed on the basis of random participation among pharmacy visitors interested in issues of overweight control. The results indicate a high prevalence of somatic symptoms (shortness of breath, joint pain, edema, muscle discomfort, etc.) that limit the quality of life of more than 60% of respondents who are overweight. The study showed that 43.9% of respondents do not engage in physical activity, which is important for maintaining good health, and only 12.2% meet the recommended level of exercise. A significant proportion (66.7%) do not control the calorie content of their diet, and over 84% regularly consume high-calorie foods, which increases the risk of obesity progression. Limited use of pharmacotherapy was also found, with only 9% of respondents having experience with drug treatment. Sixteen percent of participants expressed their willingness to invest in drug treatment, while the majority are not ready or need additional information about the effectiveness and safety of drugs. Respondents (12.8%) indicated that they receive recommendations for pharmacotherapy for the treatment of excess weight and obesity from doctors, while only 5.8% receive them from pharmacists. The survey results indicate the need to raise patient awareness about weight control and motivation for a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the role of pharmacists in providing advice on preventive measures, and implement interdisciplinary approaches to improve the quality of life of the population.