A recent study published in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities has uncovered significant disparities in the use of weight loss medications among racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. The research, conducted by Dr. Kimberly D. Narain and Dr. Christopher Scannell from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, reveals that Asian, Black, and Hispanic individuals are substantially less likely to use obesity management medications compared to their White counterparts.
The study analyzed data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, focusing on individuals with obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions. The findings show a stark contrast in medication use rates, with only 0.34% of Asian, 0.74% of Hispanic, and 0.81% of Black individuals using weight loss medications, compared to 1.2% of White individuals.
Even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors, the disparities persisted. Asian individuals had 64% lower odds, Black individuals 49% lower odds, and Hispanic individuals 30% lower odds of using these medications compared to White individuals. The researchers suggest that these differences may be attributed to factors such as gaps in physician knowledge regarding ethnicity-specific BMI thresholds, variations in health insurance quality, and less engagement in patient-centered communication among diverse populations.
Dr. Narain emphasized the importance of addressing these barriers, stating, “Our findings suggest that people with obesity from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds may face obstacles in obtaining medications to treat obesity.” The study also highlighted the need for clinicians to familiarize themselves with ethnicity-specific BMI thresholds and engage in shared decision-making with patients regarding obesity management options.
As obesity continues to be a significant health concern, these findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in access to effective weight management treatments.
See: “Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Use of Weight Loss Medications Among Adults With Obesity” (December 30, 2024)
