Using large language models to assess public perceptions around glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on social media

Abstract Background The prevalence of obesity has been increasing worldwide, with substantial implications for public health. Obesity is independently associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and is estimated to cost the health system over $200 billion dollars annually. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have emerged as a practice-changing therapy for weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction independent of diabetes. Methods We used large language models to augment our previously reported artificial intelligence-enabled topic modeling pipeline to analyze over 390,000 unique GLP-1 RA-related Reddit discussions. Results We find high interest around GLP-1 RAs, with a total of 168 topics and 33 groups focused on the GLP-1 RA experience with weight loss, comparison of side effects between differing GLP-1 RAs and alternate therapies, issues with GLP-1 RA access and supply, and the positive psychological benefits of GLP-1 RAs and associated weight loss. Notably, public sentiment in these discussions was mostly neutral-to-positive. Conclusions These findings have important implications for monitoring new side effects not captured in randomized control trials and understanding the public health challenge of drug shortages.