Barriers to obesity management in primary health-care

Abstract

Objective: Obesity management is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing medical, social, and psychological aspects. The objective of the study was to determine the barriers to obesity management in Turkey. Methods: This is a descriptive study. The survey of European General Practitioners for their perception, knowledge about obesity, and its treatment was administered randomly to 254 family physicians (FP). The survey consisted of 33 questions, 3 of which were open-ended. Results: Most of the FPs recognize obesity as a chronic disease (94.9%). Hundred forty-one of them (55.5%) record weight and perform regular follow-up. Fifty-four out of 231 (23.3%) think they need more education in obesity and 159 (62.6%) stated they were not confident and knowledgeable to offer the best obesity care. Considering communication of weight, 194 (75.3%) do not hold discussions on weight with people living with obesity (PwO). Regarding the stigmatization, 66 (26.0%) believe weight management is solely the responsibility of PwO, 115 (45.3%) think PwO lack the will power to lose weight and 89 (35.0%) think their colleagues are biased against PwO. Hundred sixty-two of them (63.8%) believe that prejudice, misunderstanding, and bias in health care hinder obesity diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion: While the majority of FPs in Turkey recognize obesity as a chronic disease, they still require additional education regarding obesity care. Furthermore, they consider weight bias among FPs to be a substantial obstacle to the diagnosis and treatment of obesity.