Prevalence of Physical and Mental Health Outcomes among Individuals with obesity Receiving Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Saxenda

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of obesity is projected to reach 51%, or over 4 billion people, of the global population by 2035, and it is considered a significant public health concern in Saudi Arabia. Aim: to evaluate the physical and mental outcomes among individuals with obesity receiving Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Saxenda. Subjects/Methods: Research design: A descriptive cross-sectional design was applied. Setting: The study was conducted at a private hospital in Saudi Arabia. Sample: 370 individuals with obesity who used Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Saxenda were recruited. We collected data using a side effects questionnaire, Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess physical and mental outcomes. The results: The most reported side effects for injections were diarrhea (10.8%), hair loss (9.2%), fever (8.6%), constipation (8.1%), and tiredness (7.8%).   Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) was associated with the highest prevalence of gastrointestinal issues. Regarding daily living activities, 93.8% of participants experienced a moderate to severe impact from Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Saxenda  on their daily activities. However, Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) demonstrated the highest impact on daily activities. Most of the participants reported no depression (63.3%). Saxenda (Liraglutide) showed the least depressive symptoms, while Ozempic (Semaglutide) showed the highest rate of severe depression (9.8%). Conclusion: The overall prevalence of reported side effects from Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Saxenda remained consistent  across groups. While the impact on participants' depression levels was minimal, the injections had a significant effect on their daily activities. Recommendations: Educational programs are required alongside weight reduction injections to improve the quality of life for individuals with obesity.