OBSERVE
Study Overview
OBSERVE is a study evaluating the attitudes of key stakeholders in the US about obesity and its effective therapy.
Descriptions and Objectives
OBSERVE1-5
PerceptiOns, Barriers, and OpportunitieS for AntiobEsity Medications in Obesity CaRe: A SurVEy of Patients With Obesity, Providers, and Employers (OBSERVE) is a study evaluating the attitudes of key stakeholders in the US about obesity and its effective therapy. OBSERVE was sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company.
Participants1-5
- Patients with obesity
- Healthcare professionals (HCPs)
- Employer groups
Objectives1-5
- Understand perceptions toward obesity and its treatments
- Understand the drivers and barriers for treatment of obesity, including anti-obesity medications (AOMs)
- Identify unmet needs in obesity management
- Identify unmet needs in healthcare delivery and access
- Facilitate the use of evidence-based therapies, including AOMs
Qualitative Phone Interviews1,2
Participants included:
- 23 patients with obesity: body mass index (BMI) ≥30 or 27≤BMI<30 with a weight-related comorbidity
- 25 HCPs: 9 specialties, including obesity medicine specialist, bariatric surgeon, internal medicine, gastroenterologist, general practitioner, psychiatrist, and endocrinologist
The survey included a mixture of multiple-choice and free-response questions exploring participant perceptions regarding weight management and AOMs.
Outcomes researchers used NVivo and MAXQDA qualitative research software to identify themes in interviews. Data from the analysis were used to refine the quantitative questionnaire used in the web-based studies.
Quantitative Web-Based Surveys3-5
Cross-sectional surveys via quantitative web-based questionnaire were conducted in a sample of US-based participants in 2022.
HCP Perspective3
In May-December 2022, a diverse sample of 504 US HCPs were given a 45-minute survey assessing their:
- Experience treating obesity
- Beliefs about obesity and its management
- Concerns about potential new AOMs
Inclusion Criteria
Professions of HCP Respondents
- Physician/surgeon (n=424)
- Physician assistant (n=40)
- Nurse practitioner (n=10)
- Dietitian (n=30)
Patient Perspective4,5
In May-June 2022, a diverse sample of 917 participants in the US were given a survey assessing their:
- Perceptions of obesity and its treatment
- History of AOM use
- Factors of interest in decision-making about new and hypothetical AOMs
Inclusion Criteria
Participants by BMI
- Overweight (27-29.9): 12.8%
- Class 1 obesity (30-34.9): 34.2%
- Class 2 obesity (35-39.9): 21.8%
- Class 3 obesity (≥40): 23.6%
- Asians with overweight: 1.9%
- Asians with obesity: 5.8%
Summary
The OBSERVE study identified key differences in the perceptions of obesity and AOMs between HCPs and people with obesity and overweight. While HCPs reported viewing obesity as a disease requiring treatment, people with obesity viewed it as a self-modifiable condition.2
Regardless of differences in perception, both groups expressed interest in combining a new AOM with other weight management strategies to “kickstart” weight loss.2,3,5
Please refer to the cited references for complete results.
For more information about the results of the OBSERVE study, check out the data pages linked below:
Patient Perspectives
HCP Perspectives
For more information about the OBSERVE background, objectives, and study design check out the video below.
References
- Kaplan LM, Kumar RB, Kahan S, et al. Perspectives of antiobesity medication use among persons with obesity and health care providers. Poster presented at ObesityWeek; November 1, 2021; virtual meeting.
- Ard JD, Kaplan LM, Dunn JP, et al. Pharmacotherapy use in obesity care: divergence among health care providers and persons with obesity. Poster presented at ObesityWeek; November 1, 2021; virtual meeting.
- Kahan S, Kumar RB, Ahmad NN, et al. Healthcare providers’ perceptions of anti-obesity medications: results from the OBSERVE study. Poster presented at American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 32nd Annual Meeting; May 6, 2022; Seattle, WA.
- Ard JD, Kaplan LM, Dunn JP, et al. Perceptions of persons with obesity or overweight toward this disease and its treatment. Poster presented at ObesityWeek; November 2, 2022; San Diego, CA.
- Kaplan LM, Kumar RB, Ahmad NN, et al. Experience and perceptions of anti-obesity medications among persons with obesity or overweight. Poster presented at ObesityWeek; November 2, 2022; San Diego, CA.
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