Attitudes about the treatment of obesity among healthcare providers involved in the care of obesity‐related diseases: A survey across medical specialties in multiple European countries

Abstract

Background and rationale: Obesity is associated with the development and progression of many diseases. Understanding and management of obesity have become increasingly important; however, a knowledge gap remains between how healthcare providers (HCPs) consider weight-loss treatment and the importance of weight loss for improving obesity-related diseases. Objective:The objective of this study was to investigate how HCPs assess obesity, how they interpret the relationship between obesity and 12 recognized comorbidities of obesity (excluding diabetes), and their view about the value of various weight-loss therapies.Methods: This was a cross-sectional, non-interventional, descriptive study. Participants were medical doctors (HCPs) from eight European countries.Results: Eighty-nine percent of the 197 HCPs that completed the survey considered obesity a disease. For most of the 12 obesity-related diseases under consideration, a majority of HCPs agreed that weight loss could reverse the disease or prevent progression. Among HCPs who have recommended weight loss, lifestyle interventions were by far the most common recommendation. However, more than three out of four HCPs stated that they would be likely to prescribe anti-obesity medications if available and reimbursed. Conclusion:Most HCPs in this survey consider obesity a disease that needs to be treated. However, the majority of HCPs appear to prefer recommending lifestyle changes, although it is well documented that weight loss obtained by lifestyle changes is difficult to maintain. These results underscore the need for improved education of HCPs involved in the treatment of obesity-related diseases.

Perceptions, behaviours and potential barriers to effective obesity care. Results from the ACTION‐DK study

“…Similar findings have been reported by Rubino et al, 37 although scientific evidence suggests that primary prevention measures have a poor long‐term impact on weight for PwO 38 . The use of lifestyle and behaviour intervention therapy, as well as weight loss medication and bariatric surgery could greatly improve the chances for PwO to lose weight 9,37 . However, in the present study it appears that most obesity care consultations consist of advice from HCPs focusing solely on eating habits, reducing calories and increased physical activity, with other proven obesity treatment interventions (above) seldom being used (Figure S3A).…”

“…The recommendations made by HCPs in the study are in line with primary prevention guidelines for obesity, which rely on education and promotion of healthy eating and physical activity 9 . Similar findings have been reported by Rubino et al, 37 although scientific evidence suggests that primary prevention measures have a poor long‐term impact on weight for PwO 38 . The use of lifestyle and behaviour intervention therapy, as well as weight loss medication and bariatric surgery could greatly improve the chances for PwO to lose weight 9,37 .…”

“…38 The use of lifestyle and behaviour intervention therapy, as well as weight loss medication and bariatric surgery could greatly improve the chances for PwO to lose weight. 9,37 However, in the present study it appears that most obesity care consultations consist of advice from HCPs focusing solely on eating habits, reducing calories and increased physical activity, with other proven obesity treatment interventions…”

Towards an adiposity-related disease framework for the diagnosis and management of obesities

“…One of the most common forms of discrimination in modern societies is weight discrimination [ 73 ]. Impressively, negative attitudes about obesity have been evidenced in some healthcare professionals, consequently disturbing patient care [ 74 ]. Weight stigma is associated with adverse physiological and psychological outcomes [ 75 ].…”

Nutritional Status, Selected Nutrients Intake, and Metabolic Disorders in Bariatric Surgery Patients

“…Excessive body weight is associated with about 200 serious health consequences, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, sleep apnea syndrome, joint diseases, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hyperlipidemia, and female infertility [3]. Population-based studies show that for every one standard deviation increase in BMI, the odds of T2DM increase by 67% and those of coronary artery disease by 20% [4].…”