BS O04 Nip it in the bud - Need for changing perceptions of obesity amongst medical students along with inclusion in the medical school curriculum

Abstract

Background Obesity needs to be included in medical school curriculum in the context of the obesity pandemic Methods A multiple-choice survey was sent out to students in a medical school attached to a university teaching hospital. Respondents provided information on demographics and perceptions about obesity and bariatric surgery. Results were presented as frequencies and analysed. Results There were 223 respondents with M:F = 93:130. 61.8% were in years 1–3 and 65.9% were in normal BMI range. 8 had BMI of 35 and above. 16.0% were not aware obesity is classified as a disease, but 87.9% understood the term bariatric surgery. 73.9% defined obesity as BMI more than 30. 23.8% felt that obesity is a self-inflicted disease. 23.6% felt that bariatric surgery should not be funded by the NHS with 6.3% feeling that bariatric surgery is a waste of money. 54.0% students agreed that bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity. Conclusions Though overall perceptions were positive, a quarter of medical students felt that obesity is self-inflicted and just over 50% of students thought bariatric surgery was effective, indicating the need to include obesity and bariatric surgery in the curriculum in order to change firmly entrenched views around obesity.