A cross-sectional survey of the opinions on weight loss treatments of adult obese patients attending a dietetic clinic

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the views and opinions on weight loss treatments of adult obese patients attending a dietetic clinic. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SUBJECTS: 161 adults attending dietetic outpatients clinics in Portsmouth for obesity with a body mass index of at least 30 kgam 2 . MEASUREMENTS: Self-administered questionnaire developed from a series of focus groups with obese adults. Key topics were previous attempts to lose weight, methods used, the role of physical activity and patients' views about treatment from health professionals. RESULTS: The preferences and usefulness of different methods to lose weight varied according to the number of attempts to lose weight, gender, age, body mass index and medical condition of the patient. Men were less likely to use special slimming products, attend slimming groups and swimming than women (odds ratios (95% con®dence interval), 0.1 (0.03 ± 0.6) for slimming groups other than Weight Watchers, 0.3 (0.1 ± 0.80) for special slimming products and 0.3 (0.1 ± 0.6) for swimming). Men were more likely to use physical activity (2.6 (1.1 ± 6.2)) and in particular walking (3.7 (1.0 ± 13.6)) and cycling (2.8 (1.0 ± 7.6)) and were more likely to see the dietitian (3.8 (1.4 ± 9.9)) than women. Those with more than 10 attempts to lose weight were more likely to see the dietitian (3.6(1.6 ± 8.2)), use Weight Watchers (2.5 (1.1 ± 5.6)) and newspapers and magazines (4.4 (1.8 ± 10.9)) than those with fewer attempts. The younger age group were more likely to use more vigorous forms of exercise (4.2 (1.6 ± 11.2) for keep ®t and 3.7 (1.5 ± 9.6) for cycling) than the older subjects. The most obese were more likely to have negative views on their treatment by health professionals (4.4 (1.9 ± 9.8)`chairs are never big enough' and 4.0 (1.8 ± 8.8)`I am regarded as a second class citizen') than those who were less obese. Those without a medical condition were more likely to exercise (2.8 (1.3 ± 6.3)) and use books (4.8 (2.0 ± 11.2)) than those with a medical condition. CONCLUSION: The views of obese people should be considered when planning services for the treatment of obesity and a variety of options should be available.

Les moyens mis en œuvre pour perdre du poids chez 1000 sujets en surpoids ou obèses

“…Comme ces derniers [4], nous trouvons un nombre plus important de sujets ayant recours à l'activité physique chez les hommes, et un nombre un peu plus élevé de sujets ayant recours à des produits pour maigrir chez les femmes. Mais, contrairement à Thompson et Thomas [4], nous constatons que les sujets ayant un IMC plus élevé ont moins souvent recours à l'activité physique. Il est évident que la pénibilité de l'exercice physique augmente avec le poids [10].…”

“…Dans notre étude, les sujets OB connaissent plus souvent l'existence de tels médicaments que les sujets en SP. De même, Thompson et Thomas [4] observent que les sujets ayant un IMC supérieur à 40 kg/m 2 y ont plus souvent recours ; en revanche, en dehors du critère « rapidité d'action » nous ne trouvons pas de différences sur les autres critères déterminants le recours aux médicaments.…”

“…La plupart des études publiées ont été faites à partir de populations qui consultent un médecin [4]. Ainsi, une enquête téléphonique effectuée auprès de 940 sujets OB suivis en moyenne pendant 41 mois a montré que 81,5 % arrêtaient leur traitement, 66 % de cette interruption survenant dans la première année [5].…”

Effects of perceived weight discrimination on willingness to adopt unhealthy behaviours: influence of genomic information

“…While weight stigma has been studied in the healthcare context, research on discrimination in this context is more limited. In one sample of obese adults, the majority of respondents reported being regarded "as a second class citizen" in the health care setting (Thompson & Thomas, 2000). In another sample of bariatric surgery candidates, nearly half reported that they had been treated disrespectfully by physicians because of their weight and report being "very upset" by comments their doctor has made about their weight (Anderson & Wadden, 2004).…”

Weight Stigma in Healthcare Settings in the United Kingdom: A Review

“…Based on the findings of qualitative research involving 161 obese adults attending dietetic outpatient clinics (Thompson & Thomas, 2000), the majority of respondents (84%) agreed that most medical problems for which they visited clinic were blamed on their weight. Also, those with higher BMI were more likely to agree with the statements; "I am regarded as a second-class citizen" and "chairs are never big enough."…”