<p>Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Community Pharmacists Regarding Weight Reduction Agents and Supplements in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia</p>

Abstract

This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of community pharmacists regarding weight reduction products in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based study of community pharmacists in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia, was conducted between March and May 2019. Results: The most commonly prescribed weight reduction agent was green tea followed by oatmeal products and ginseng. The results revealed that almost 85% of the respondents did not know which weight reduction agents are approved as over-the-counter products by the US Food and Drug Administration. Community pharmacists had positive attitudes toward the safety and efficacy of weight reduction products, but 64.91% indicated that they would limit weight reduction agents to obese patients who could not reduce their weight through exercise and diet. More than 80% of the participants agreed that it is very important to counsel patients regarding weight reduction products, and more than 80% also agreed that pharmacists should regularly discuss weight reduction products with other healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Community pharmacists showed positive attitudes and efficient practice towards prescribing weight reducing products. However, there was a deficit regarding the knowledge about which products approved by FDA to manage overweight. That requires to consolidate the role of community pharmacists in weight management in Saudi Arabia with more continuous education and regulation.

Impact of an Educational Training Program on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Barriers of Community Pharmacists Towards Obesity and Overweight Management in Malaysia

“…Within the literature, CPs generally expressed positive views on their role in weight management. They believe that as trained health care professionals, they hold a unique position and therefore have a definite role to play in weight management (8)(9)(10)(11). CPs regarded their pharmacies and their WMS offered to be accessible, given that their advice is provided free of charge (8,9).…”

Community Pharmacists’ Perceptions towards the Misuse and Abuse of Pregabalin: A Cross-Sectional Study from Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

“…Each community pharmacy had 2-3 pharmacists working over two shifts. As per the latest statistics, the number of registered community pharmacists in the Aseer region eligible to answer the study's survey was 747 pharmacists [27].…”

Dispensing Practices for Weight Management Products in Eastern Saudi Arabia: A Survey of Community Pharmacists

“…Obesity is a preventable medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat; it is now considered a disease in itself [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Obesity could negatively impact an individual’s health [ 4 ].…”

“…Obesity could negatively impact an individual’s health [ 4 ]. It is regarded as one of the most pressing epidemic conditions and is assumed to threaten public health [ 3 ]. Obesity is associated with multiple morbidities and chronic illnesses, such as disabilities, oncologic, cardiovascular, and endocrine diseases, and mental illnesses, such as depression.…”

“…Obesity is associated with multiple morbidities and chronic illnesses, such as disabilities, oncologic, cardiovascular, and endocrine diseases, and mental illnesses, such as depression. Such morbid conditions further increase the chances of mortality [ 2 , 3 ].…”