Obesity is a growing concern worldwide, with various racial and ethnic groups facing disparities in accessing obesity-management medications. A recent study published in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities sheds light on the differences in the use of these medications among Asians, non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics, and whites.
Dr. Kimberly Narain, a primary care physician and obesity medicine specialist at UCLA, co-authored the study with Dr. Christopher Scannell from USC. The research aimed to understand how socioeconomic factors contribute to the disparities in the use of obesity-management medications across different racial and ethnic groups.
The study analyzed data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey between 2011 and 2020, focusing on adults eligible for obesity management drugs. The results revealed that Asians were 64% less likely, Blacks 49% less likely, and Hispanics 30% less likely than whites to use obesity-management medications. These differences persisted even after accounting for factors such as income, education, health insurance coverage, and clinical need.
While the study highlighted the disparities in medication use, it also pointed out potential explanations for these differences. Cultural perceptions of body size, acceptance of medication for obesity treatment, and communication between medical providers and patients could all play a role in the disparities observed.
Despite the limitations of the study, such as the reliance on BMI as a measure of eligibility for medications and the exclusion of newer FDA-approved obesity drugs, the findings underscore the importance of addressing barriers to medication access for diverse populations. Dr. Narain emphasized the need for further research to gather perspectives from racially and ethnically diverse individuals on using obesity medications.
In conclusion, understanding the factors that influence the use of obesity-management medications among different racial and ethnic groups is crucial for ensuring equitable access to treatment options. By addressing these disparities and exploring potential drivers of differences in medication use, healthcare providers can better support individuals from diverse backgrounds in managing obesity and related health conditions.
