Community pharmacists’ experiences and perspectives on GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity management: a cross-sectional study in Ireland

Objectives: To assess the experiences and perspectives of community pharmacists in Ireland on Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for obesity management. Methods: An online questionnaire of closed- and open-ended questions was distributed to community pharmacists in the Republic of Ireland in July 2025. Closed-ended questions were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics, and conventional content analysis was utilized for open-ended responses. Key findings: Two hundred questionnaires were available for analysis. Respondents dispensed GLP-1 RAs for obesity (n = 31, 16.1%), and for both obesity and diabetes management (n = 160, 82.9%). Respondents frequently provided counselling on the practical aspects of GLP-1 RA use including storage (n = 162, 83.94%), administration (n = 143, 74.09%), side effects (n = 128, 66.32%), and sharps disposal (n = 99, 51.3%). However, topics such as nutrition and contraception were discussed less frequently, with 45.6% (n = 88) never providing contraception advice to female patients. Time constraints were the main barriers reported to counselling. Several challenges and concerns were highlighted by pharmacists including the impact of medication shortages on practice, increased pressure on pharmacy workflows, safety and prescribing oversight, particularly for online prescribing, alongside a need for additional education and training. Conclusions: Community pharmacists in Ireland play a key role in dispensing GLP-1 RAs and providing patient support. They report gaps in counselling, training, professional guidance, and structural support, alongside safety concerns of online prescribing. Updated professional guidance, pharmacy-based practice models, and national policies will allow community pharmacists to better support the delivery of obesity care. Keywords: community pharmacys; drug misuse; education; health promotion; patient safety; professional training; professional views