A Remote Program for Navigator- and Pharmacist-Led Management of Obesity Medications in Adults: Rationale, Design, and Implementation.

Abstract

Remote interventions leveraging team-based care may ameliorate persistent gaps in obesity medication implementation, but prospective studies are lacking. In this paper, the design, enrollment, and implementation of a remote intervention for obesity medications are described. The Supplementary Anti-Obesity Medication Integration into a Longitudinal Obesity (SAIL) study is a fully remote program with pharmacist- and navigator-led obesity medication implementation. Individuals with body mass index (BMI)-defined overweight or obesity receiving a digital lifestyle intervention were recruited for participation in SAIL via a survey. Effectiveness outcomes included obesity medication prescription and body weight change at 6 months. Focus groups were conducted with study staff after program completion to identify implementation barriers and solutions. Between June 2023 and September 2024, 200 patients responded to the survey, of which 99 were eligible. Of these, 75 enrolled in SAIL (mean age, 50 ± 12 years; 83% women; mean BMI 36 ± 6 kg/m²). Focus groups identified multiple implementation challenges and opportunities, including medication access, insurance coverage, and patient education. Addressing misinformation, frequent patient engagement, and program flexibility emerged as unique strengths of SAIL. The final results of SAIL will inform the effectiveness of remote, algorithm-driven, navigator- and pharmacist-led programs for obesity medication prescription and management.