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Barriers to Medication Adherence
Several categories of factors may limit adherence to obesity
pharmacotherapy.
Informational Factors
➤ Incomplete understanding of the dosing regimen.
➤ Limited knowledge of the mechanism of action or expected
outcomes.
➤ Misconception that obesity treatment should be short-term.
Psychological Factors
➤ Barriers to engaging in new behavior (eg, consistently taking and
obtaining medication).
➤ Fear of desired medication effect changing lifestyle (eg, eating at
social events, using food as a coping mechanism).
Adverse Effects and Expectations
➤ Physical discomfort from adverse effects.
➤ Adverse effects impacting activities of daily living.
➤ Concern regarding the onset or magnitude of weight loss leads
patients to perceive the medication as ineffective.
Cost and Accessibility
➤ Inability to afford medication.
➤ Lack of insurance coverage for medication or follow-up visits.
➤ Lack of availability of medication.
