BS P01 Obesity – the last bastion of prejudice and stigma in the NHS?

Abstract

Background There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that patients with obesity face stigma in the NHS Methods A multiple-choice survey was sent out to consultants in a university teaching hospital with an established bariatric surgery unit. Respondents provided information on demographics and perceptions of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results were presented as frequencies and this was analysed. Results There were 167 consultant respondents with M:F = 114:53. 58% belonged to medical speciality and the rest belonged to the surgical speciality. 90% had over 10 years of NHS experience. 46.7% were in the normal BMI range and 3.5% had BMI 35 and above. 1.8% were not aware that obesity is classified as a disease. 42.5% felt that obesity is a self-inflicted disease. 73.4% agreed that bariatric surgery should be funded by the NHS, but 12% disagreed. 4.2% were of the opinion that bariatric surgery is a waste of money. 97% agreed that bariatric surgery resulted in weight loss and resolution of comorbidities. Conclusions There is a significant negative perception that obesity is a self inflicted life style disease even amongst the consultant work force reinforcing the premise that perhaps obesity is the last bastion of prejudice in the NHS.