Semaglutide is a prescription medication for weight loss and combating obesity. Current evidence indicates patients are regaining weight after discontinuing the medication unless diet and exercise regimens are sustained. Additionally, there is a lack of evidence regarding specific dietary recommendations for patients taking once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide injections for weight loss. The purpose of this DNP project was to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention focused on improving patient knowledge and receptiveness of making diet and exercise changes during their semaglutide treatment plan.

The study included adult patients who were overweight or obese and currently taking semaglutide for weight loss at a specified outpatient medical practice in Indianapolis. The study spanned 21 days and included two data collection periods. Data was collected via surveys to assess knowledge, diet and lifestyle habits, and readiness to change utilizing the Readiness Ruler tool. The educational intervention included a video and written information focused on evidence-based diet and exercise recommendations while taking semaglutide.

The project’s results indicated the educational intervention was beneficial and positively impacted participant knowledge and perspectives regarding diet, exercise, daily caloric intake, and water intake as recommended while taking semaglutide for weight loss. Recommendations for practice include incorporation of the educational intervention as part of the plan of care for patients prescribed semaglutide at the outpatient practice.

Creator

• Young, Alexis

Publisher

• English

Keyword

• obesity

• semaglutide

• weight loss

• weight management

• glucagon-like peptide

• Mediterranean diet

• patient education

Date created

• 2024

Resource type

• Research Paper

Rights statement

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/