Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceptions of Community Pharmacists Toward Using Non-prescription Medications and Supplements to Reduce Body Weight in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Objectives: To look into community pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives about prescribing complementary supplements and/or non-prescription medications to overweight and obese patients to assist them lose weight. Method: 207 registered pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, participated in a cross- sectional, descriptive investigation with a self-administered questionnaire. Key findings: Although 88.4% of respondents had a good level of awareness about Weight Management Products and their practices, the majority of them had mixed opinions (neutral attitude, 52.1%; answers, 59.9%) about the safety and efficacy of these items. There was a minor, negative association between knowledge and attitude (r = -0.125, n = 207, p = 0.038) and an intermediate, positive link between attitude and reaction. (r = 0.347, n = 207, p = 0.000). Conclusions: Community pharmacists, since they can readily be found, play a crucial part in ensuring that whatever items are proposed for clients are suitable, efficient, and safe. Community pharmacists' understanding and attitudes toward the use of non- prescription drugs and supplements to lose weight must be raised and improved to ensure they are well-equipped to serve the community safely and appropriately.