Regina DePietro

Dr. Regina DePietro


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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12 January 2026 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RDRegina DePietro
Regina DePietro
IBIsabella Bertarelli
Isabella Bertarelli
CZChloe Zink
Chloe Zink
SCShannon M Canfield
Shannon M Canfield
JSJamie Smith
Jamie Smith
JMJane A. McElroy
Jane A. McElroy
Background/Objective: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have received widespread attention as effective obesity treatments. However, limited research has examined the perspectives of patients contemplating GLP-1RAs. This study explored perceptions, motivations, and barriers among individuals considering GLP-1RA therapy for obesity treatment, with the goal of informing patient-centered care and enhancing clinician engagement. Methods: Adults completed surveys and interviews between June and November 2025. In this pragmatic mixed-methods study, both survey and interview questions explored perceived benefits, barriers, and decision-making processes. Qualitative data, describing themes based on the Health Belief Model, were analyzed using Dedoose (version 9.0.107), and quantitative data were analyzed using SAS (version 9.4). Participant characteristics included marital status, income, educational attainment, employment status, insurance status, age, race/ethnicity, and sex. Anticipated length on GLP-1RA medication and selected self-reported health conditions (depression, anxiety, hypertension, heart disease, back pain, joint pain), reported physical activity level, and perceived weight loss competency were also recorded. Results: Among the 31 non-diabetic participants who were considering GLP-1RA medication for weight loss, cost emerged as the most significant barrier. Life course events, particularly (peri)menopause among women over 44, were commonly cited as contributors to weight gain. Participants expressed uncertainty about eligibility, long-term safety, and treatment expectations. Communication gaps were evident, as few participants initiated discussions and clinician outreach was rare, reflecting limited awareness and discomfort around the topic. Conclusions: Findings highlight that individuals considering GLP-1RA therapy face multifaceted emotional, financial, and informational barriers. Proactive, empathetic clinician engagement, through validation of prior efforts, clear communication of risks and benefits, and correction of misconceptions, can support informed decision-making and align treatment with patient goals.

28 March 2024 in Evidence-Based Practice
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MSMadeline A. Sauer
Madeline A. Sauer
RDRegina DePietro
Regina DePietro


8 April 2025 in Evidence-Based Practice
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
KWKatelyn Weith
Katelyn Weith
SKShannon Keaveney
Shannon Keaveney
BZBingyue Zhang
Bingyue Zhang
RDRegina DePietro
Regina DePietro

1 May 2026 in Evidence-Based Practice
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
ABAustin Boots
Austin Boots
DBDevin Breckenridge
Devin Breckenridge
JMJohn Murphy
John Murphy
RDRegina DePietro
Regina DePietro