Knowledge, Attitudes, and Use of Antidiabetic Medications for Weight Loss Among Adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundThe increasing use of anti-diabetic drugs, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), for weight loss has prompted concerns about public awareness, attitudes, and usage.In Saudi Arabia, a substantial proportion of adults have obesity or are overweight, highlighting the considerable burden of obesity.Meanwhile, the increasing use of GLP-1 RAs for weight management underscores the importance of assessing public knowledge and attitudes toward these medications. ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antidiabetic medications used for weight loss among adult residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. MethodsThe cross-sectional survey included 282 adult residents of Riyadh.A self-administered electronic questionnaire was sent using a non-probability convenience sampling method.The questionnaire evaluated sociodemographic variables, knowledge, attitudes, and practices about antidiabetic medicines used for weight loss.Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests, Spearman's ρ correlation, and multivariable linear and binary logistic regression analyses. ResultsOf the 282 participants, 70.9% were female and 68.4% were married.The median knowledge score was 15.0 (interquartile range (IQR), 12.0-18.0),and the median attitude score was 23.0 (IQR, 21.0-25.0).Knowledge and attitude scores showed a weak positive correlation (Spearman's ρ = 0.254, p < 0.001).Overall, 76 participants (27.0%) reported using antidiabetic medications for weight reduction, with Ozempic (55.3%) and Mounjaro (44.7%) being the most commonly used medications.Female gender was independently associated with higher knowledge scores, whereas non-medical occupation was associated with lower knowledge and attitude scores.Participants with chronic disease had higher odds of weight-loss medication use, whereas higher attitude scores were associated with lower odds of use. ConclusionAdults in Riyadh demonstrated important knowledge gaps regarding weight-loss medications.Knowledge and attitudes varied by occupation, while medication use was independently associated with chronic disease status and attitude scores, highlighting the need for evidence-based education and medically supervised use.