A new report from Phenomix Sciences reveals a substantial information gap in the current obesity treatment landscape. While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists dominate headlines and clinical discussions, a majority of medication-experienced patients report being largely in the dark about alternative pharmaceutical options.
According to the “2026 State of Obesity Treatment Report” by the company, 57% of US patients with overweight or obesity who have used GLP-1s stated they were completely unaware of or unfamiliar with the details of comparable non-GLP-1 weight-loss medications, such as Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate ER), which is an FDA-approved prescription oral medication for chronic weight management in adults.
The findings highlight a critical disconnect between the public conversation surrounding obesity and the full spectrum of available medical interventions.
Education Shifts Patient Perspectives and Openness
The data suggest that the current narrow focus on GLP-1s may not reflect the full range of patient preferences, but rather a lack of accessible information regarding other pathways. When survey respondents were educated about existing and emerging alternative therapies, a notable shift in openness occurred. The report indicates that 68% of patients changed their views on medication options after learning about alternatives. Specifically, one-quarter (25%) said they became more open to non-GLP-1 options, while another 25% expressed a desire to discuss all available options more thoroughly with their healthcare provider. Additionally, 18% reported that learning about alternatives led to a decreased personal interest in GLP-1 therapies.
“These findings suggest that as obesity treatment evolves, patients are looking for broader awareness of available treatment options and clearer information to guide decisions,” said Mark Bagnall, CEO of Phenomix Sciences in a press release. “Obesity treatment is complex and increasingly moving toward more personalized care guided by patient biology, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.”
Confusion Over GLP-1 Appropriateness and Oral Formulations
The survey also uncovered a lack of consensus among patients regarding who should be using GLP-1 medications. Respondents were evenly split, with 39% believing the drugs should be available to anyone seeking weight loss and another 39% indicating they should be prioritized for individuals with obesity and serious related health risks. A smaller segment (13%) felt use should be limited to those with other medical conditions, while 7% viewed them as a last resort. This division underscores the need for clearer, more individualized treatment guidance from providers.
Looking ahead to the expanding pipeline of obesity treatments, the report examined patient attitudes toward emerging oral GLP-1 formulations. Interest is high but tempered with caution. While 42% of respondents said an oral option would make treatment feel more accessible, and 22% said they would be more open to learning about GLP-1s if a pill were available, nearly 15% noted that oral versions raise new questions about side effects and comparative effectiveness against established injectable versions.
Implications for Personalized Care and Shared Decision-Making
The overarching implication of the Phenomix report is that better patient education is not merely a courtesy but a critical component of effective obesity care. The findings support a model of shared decision-making where patients are empowered with knowledge about the full menu of treatment options—including GLP-1s, non-GLP-1 medications, and future therapies—to align treatment plans with individual health profiles and preferences. As the field of obesity medicine moves toward more precise, biology-driven interventions, the study reinforces that patient understanding is a foundational step toward achieving better and more sustainable health outcomes.
