Community awareness and misconceptions regarding GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight management among adults in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Background Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are increasingly used for diabetes and obesity management. Growing interest in their use for weight management has raised concerns regarding gaps in knowledge and misconceptions about their indications, safety, and appropriate use. This study assessed awareness, knowledge, misconceptions, and associated sociodemographic and clinical factors among adults in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 975 adults aged ≥18 years in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia, using convenience sampling. A structured Arabic questionnaire assessed GLP-1 RA awareness, knowledge, perceived uses, information sources, and misconceptions. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine factors associated with knowledge and semaglutide awareness. Results Among 975 participants, semaglutide was the most recognized GLP-1 RA, with 576 (59.1%) reporting awareness, while 507 (52.0%) identified GLP-1 RAs as being used for both diabetes and weight loss. Overall, 519 (53.2%) participants had good knowledge, with considerable uncertainty and misconceptions regarding safety, adverse effects, monitoring, and lifestyle modification. In multivariable analysis, all age groups ≥30 years had lower odds of good knowledge than those aged 18–29 years (aORs 0.24–0.36). For semaglutide awareness, participants aged ≥60 years had lower odds (aOR 0.145, 95% CI: 0.078–0.270), whereas females had higher odds than males (aOR 1.973, 95% CI: 1.452–2.679), and graduates had higher odds than those with school-level education (aOR 2.552, 95% CI: 1.576–4.134). Conclusion This study identified important gaps and misconceptions regarding GLP-1 receptor agonists among adults in the Aseer Region. Although 53.2% demonstrated good knowledge, uncertainty remained regarding safety, adverse effects, monitoring, and lifestyle modification. Age ≥30 years was associated with lower odds of good knowledge, while female sex and graduate-level education were associated with higher odds of semaglutide awareness. These findings highlight the need for targeted, evidence-based education on the appropriate and safe use of GLP-1 receptor agonists.