Neither Docs nor patients talking enough about obesity

New research from the STOP Obesity Alliance reveals that primary care physicians, as well as obese patients, may not have the tools they need to effectively fight obesity and obesity-related health problems.

A survey was mailed to 290 primary care physicians around the country between September 1 and December 21, 2009. The results of the survey showed that 89% of primary care physicians believe it’s their responsibility to help overweight or obese patients lose weight. However, 72% of the doctors admitted that no one in their practice has been trained to deal specifically with weight-related issues.

Another survey conducted by phone included 1,002 U.S. adults. The results of this survey showed that most participants recognized the impact that excess weight would have on their health. The survey also revealed that the majority of overweight and obese adults believed that losing weight was their personal responsibility. However, only 39% of obese adults surveyed said that their health care professional had told them they were obese. Among those who had been told they were obese, 90% said that their doctors recommended they lose weight. Unfortunately, only one in three of the adults who were told by their doctors to lose weight said that they had discussed how to lose weight with their physician.

Dr. Carmona, the Health and Wellness Chairperson of the STOP Obesity Alliance, said, “We’re not surprised most primary care providers say more time would help them discuss weight with patients. Yet, even if they had those precious extra minutes, many would still be missing needed information about weight loss tools and existing programs.” According to Dr. Carmona, “It’s time to fill that information gap.”