Just Say No to Obesity

A year has passed and Medscape has taken a second look at the beliefs and behaviors of healthcare providers about obesity care. In many ways, little has changed. Most providers still seem to view obesity as nothing more than a behavioral problem. Just say no to a bad diet and inactivity.

Many providers are reluctant to do much more than urge patients to behave differently. Whatever they’re doing, it must be wrong.

Little Prescribing or Referrals

Last year, 35% of primary care physicians said they never prescribe anti-obesity medications. This year, the number was 38% – no significant change. Likewise, they still refer very few patients – only 13% of those with obesity – for bariatric surgery. And yet half of their patients with obesity have serious complications that result from it. Both obesity meds and bariatric surgery can help prevent those complications.

But many providers – 67% of those who don’t prescribe – say they’d prefer patients focus on diet, exercise, and behavioral strategies. Unfortunately, that one-legged stool is a bit wobbly. Diet and exercise strategies, by themselves, are not enough to change the course of obesity for most patients.

Less Blame?

If we want to find encouragement in these numbers, we can. For that, we look at what providers say are the most important unmet needs in treating obesity. A year ago, 61% of providers said they needed more patients to follow their instructions. It was their number one choice.

This year, that unfortunate response was not so common. Only 49% named uncooperative patients as a big problem. It’s still not great. Too many healthcare providers still think patients are the problem. But we’re happy to see this attitude fade a bit.

Click here and here for information on this year’s survey. For last year’s survey, click here and here.

Stop! Photograph © Julie Falk / flickr

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March 22, 2018