Perspectives on weight-loss pharmacotherapy among Māori and Pacific adults with overweight or obesity in Aotearoa New Zealand: a cross-sectional study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the perceived acceptability of obesity medicines (OMs) among Māori and Pacific health consumers in Aotearoa New Zealand and identify key concerns that may influence acceptance.

METHODS

An exploratory cross-sectional survey was conducted with 216 Māori and Pacific adults, 190 of whom were living with overweight or obesity. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics to summarise participant characteristics and key outcomes, alongside multivariable logistic regression. A mediation analysis was performed using a non-parametric bootstrapping procedure.

RESULTS

Descriptive analyses show that the majority of participants viewed OMs as an acceptable tool for weight management; however, common concerns included cost, effectiveness, subsequent weight gain, unknown impacts on the body and long-term dependence. Patterns were similar by gender, although limited male representation restricted comparisons. Multivariable analyses showed that administration method (oral vs injection) significantly mediated ethnic differences in acceptability, with Pacific participants expressing higher concern compared to Māori.

CONCLUSION

Although OMs were broadly acceptable among Māori and Pacific participants, concerns about their use may influence uptake and sustained use. Addressing these barriers, together with administration-related concerns that may contribute to ethnic differences in acceptability, may support more equitable implementation of OMs. Future research could use longitudinal and qualitative designs to explore how cultural and contextual factors shape perspectives over time. These findings highlight an opportunity to improve obesity care and health outcomes for Māori and Pacific people by supporting more accessible and culturally appropriate integration of OMs into care pathways.