Behavior and reasons behind anti-obesity drug usage among non-obese female adolescents in Bangkok

Abstract

Anti-obesity drug usage is increasing. Non-obese female adolescent is one risk group that uses method indication. Yet, no study has addressed the behavior and reasons behind anti-obesity drug usage among non-obese female adolescents in Bangkok. The purposes of this study were to investigate behavior, to identify the reasons behind, and to explore the perceived consequence of anti-obesity drug usage. This study was a cross-sectional study based on qualitative method. Samples of the study included 30 female adolescents who had body mass index values less than 30, were currently using anti-obesity drug, or ever used anti-obesity drug, and received service from clinic or hospital in Bangkok. The study showed that the purpose of anti-obesity drug usage was inconsistent with medical treatment, rather for beauty than health concern. All doctors prescribed anti-obesity drug in the group of psychotropic substance combined with other drugs to increase the efficacy. Female adolescents knew many details about anti-obesity drug from their closed friends who succeeded in controlling weight. They strictly obeyed doctors advices because they wanted to be success and were afraid of the side effect. Heart palpitation and annoyance were the most two side effects often found. The main reasons to make female adolescents used anti-obesity drug came from internal and external factors. The internal factor was that they did not satisfy with their body image and external factor was come from teasing from friends and media. Most of female adolescents satisfied with drug efficacy especially fast action. In addition they also satisfied with drug cost. Although most of them encountered with a lot of side effects but they still used anti-obesity drug through their courses because they could not change the perception toward their demand for beauty. The association between Thai FDA, the Medical Council of Thailand, doctors, and parents are necessary to look after anti-obesity drug usageamong non-obese female adolescents.