Managing obesity: a survey of attitudes and practices among Israeli primary care physicians

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:To document and assess Israeli family physicians' (FPs) knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the management of overweight and obesity. METHODS: Anonymous questionnaires were completed by 510 family physicians (82% compliance rate). The questionnaires were distributed in various continuous medical education sites of FPs in Israel. The measures included attitudes to and resources of knowledge on weight management, views regarding the prescription of drugs, approaches to and strategies recommended for weight loss. RESULTS: In all, 73% of FPs viewed weight management as important and reported that they often treated cases of overweight and obesity, including for patients without concomitant risk factors. The medical advice most frequently offered is: increase physical activity, decrease number of total calories (eat less) and consultation with a dietitian (95, 81 and 58% respectively). However, most responders (72%) believed that they had limited efficacy in treating obesity and considered themselves not well prepared by medical school to treat overweight patients. Some 60% reported feeling that they have insufficient knowledge regarding nutritional issues. Regarding pharmacotherapy for treating obesity, only 66% knew the drugs' prescription indications. However, the vast majority (87%) knew about the gradual increase of weight after stopping drug treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge gaps and ambivalent attitudes toward obesity management were found. More education focusing on obesity, from medical school to post-graduate learning, seems warranted based on these findings.

Obesity and health problems among South African healthcare workers: do healthcare workers take care of themselves?

“…This is in agreement with earlier studies carried out in South Africa, Israel and the United Kingdom. [20][21][22] South African women, especially in black populations, think that being overweight is "beautiful and attractive". Hence, the majority of overweight black women view themselves as being of normal weight, healthy or very healthy.…”

Beliefs about the causes and solutions to obesity: A comparison of GPs and lay people

“…There is also evidence that GPs are negative about their own role in obesity treatment which in part reflects the problematic nature of obesity management. For example, one study of Israeli GPs by Fogelman and colleagues (10) found that although GPs believed it was part of their role to advise obese patients on the health risks of obesity, the majority of doctors thought they had not made any difference in getting their patients to make long-term changes in lifestyle. Similarly, a Glasgow based study by Mercer and Tessier (11) reported that doctors generally had 'little enthusiasm for weight management'.…”

Nutrition communication styles of family doctors: results of quantitative research

“…However, a study in 11 European countries showed that more than half of the family doctors were sceptical of helping patients to achieve or maintain normal weight (Brotons et al, 2005). In addition, another study showed that 73% of family doctors believe counselling on weight reduction is not easy (Fogelman et al, 2002). Table 9 Regression model for actual nutrition communication behaviour towards overweight of family doctors (n ¼ 267)…”

“…In the case of more complicated topics, family doctors should utilise the expertise of dieticians. Application of the Team Approach might be useful (Fogelman et al, 2002).…”