Abstract P349: Physical Activity Perceptions and Engagement of Patients Prescribed an Anti-Obesity Medication in a Medical Weight Loss Clinic

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) may elicit important health benefits when coupled with contemporary anti-obesity medications (AOM). However, currently there is little known about perceptions of PA and associated PA engagement of patients receiving these AOM therapies. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that PA would differ by perceptions of confidence to engage in PA, current and future importance of PA, and PA amount in patients receiving AOM treatment within the context of a medical weight loss clinic. Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to patients in a clinical research registry who were receiving treatment with an AOM at a university medical center-based weight loss clinic. The survey included questions about their perceived confidence to do structured PA or exercise regularly (PA-CONFIDENCE) and perceived importance of structured PA or exercise for management of their body weight currently (PA-IMPORTANCE) or in the future (PA-FUTURE). Participants also reported their current level of PA. Results: Survey responses were received from 96 patients. For these analyses, data were examined for patients currently prescribed a GLP-1 AOM (83 patients). High PA-CONFIDENCE was reported by 44.6% of participants, with 34.9% and 20.5% reporting moderate and low PA-CONFIDENCE, respectively. PA was 154±117 min/wk, 107±105 min/wk, and 76±77 min/wk for high, moderate, and low PA-CONFIDENCE (p=0.033). Participating in ≥150 min/wk of PA was reported by 54.1% with high, 20.7% with moderate, and 11.8% with low PA-CONFIDENCE (p=0.002). Ratings of PA-IMPORTANCE were 63.9% for high, 28.9% for moderate, and 7.2% for low. Participating in ≥150 min/wk of PA was reported by 48.2% with high, 12.5% with moderate, and 0% with low PA-IMPORTANCE (p=0.002). Ratings of PA-FUTURE were 79.5% for high, 18.1% for moderate, and 2.4% for low. Current participation in ≥150 min/wk of PA was reported by 33.7% with high, 12.5% with moderate, and 0% with low PA-FUTURE (p=0.002). Conclusions: Less than one-half of patients prescribed an AOM report confidence to engage in regular structured PA, and of those with high confidence only approximately one-half achieve current public health recommendations for PA. While more than one-half of patients report that PA is important, less than one-half engage in the recommended amount of PA. Strategies are needed to increase perceived confidence to perform and importance of PA in AOM treated patients, and to increase PA participation.