Hunger pain and its reduction; qualitative insight from people with schizophrenia on semaglutide.
Semaglutide may help reduce hunger pain in people with schizophrenia on antipsychotics, but attention to potential negative effects is necessary.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the semaglutide corpusSummary and findings
This study investigated experiences of hunger and eating habits in people with schizophrenia during semaglutide treatment. Eleven participants were interviewed 4 months to 1.5 years after treatment completion. The findings highlighted the impact of antipsychotics on hunger and the effects of semaglutide on these experiences.
Abstract
Purpose It is often reported that people with schizophrenia experience weight gain and disordered eating, partly due to antipsychotics. As part of the RCT "Home-based Intervention with Semaglutide Treatment of Neuroleptic-Related Prediabetes, HISTORI", the present study investigates experiences of hunger and eating habits in people using antipsychotics during semaglutide treatment. Methods Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted 4 months to 1,5 years after treatment completion. Six women and 5 men were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using Braun & Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. Results Three themes were identified; "Hunger pain induced by antipsychotic medicine", "Positive and negative experiences of reduced hunger", and "Eating habits and what influences them". The term "Hunger pain" was applied. It defines an excruciating combination of feeling extremely hungry, never achieving satiety, and relentless preoccupation with thoughts about food. The analysis suggested a focus on the patients' coping styles. Conclusion The hunger pain, probably induced by antipsychotics, seemed to reinforce maladaptive coping styles. The relief from hunger pain due to semaglutide was in most cases a liberation. Yet, it is important also to pay attention to the negative effects of reduced hunger. It is relevant to assess patients' eating problems prior to semaglutide treatment.
Background
This paper addresses the clinical question of how semaglutide may affect hunger and eating habits in individuals with schizophrenia who are also using antipsychotic medications. Prior research has indicated that antipsychotics can lead to weight gain and disordered eating patterns. Understanding these experiences is crucial for developing effective interventions for this population.
Methods
The study utilized a qualitative design involving eleven semi-structured interviews. Participants included six women and five men, interviewed 4 months to 1.5 years after completing semaglutide treatment. The primary outcome measures were the themes derived from the interviews, analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
The analysis identified three main themes related to hunger and eating habits. The term 'Hunger pain' was defined as a combination of extreme hunger and preoccupation with food. Participants reported both positive and negative experiences related to reduced hunger during semaglutide treatment.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that semaglutide may alleviate hunger pain associated with antipsychotic use, but the clinical significance of these qualitative insights remains unclear. The small sample size and qualitative nature of the study limit the ability to draw broad conclusions. Further research is needed to quantify these experiences and assess their implications for treatment.
Key findings
- Eleven semi-structured interviews conducted.
- Interviews analyzed using Braun & Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis.
- Three themes identified: 'Hunger pain induced by antipsychotic medicine', 'Positive and negative experiences of reduced hunger', and 'Eating habits and what influences them'.
- Hunger pain described as an excruciating combination of feeling extremely hungry and relentless preoccupation with thoughts about food.
Limitations
- Small sample size of n=11.
- Qualitative study, limiting generalizability.
- Interviews conducted post-treatment, not during.
- No quantitative measures reported.