Physician knowledge, attitude, and practice in the treatment of obese patients

The objective of the study was to examine the roles of physician knowledge, attitudes and practices in the treatment of obesity. Eleven percent of two thousand, three hundred and sixty three questionnaires mailed to primary care physicians in the Washington D.C Metropolitan Area were returned. The questionnaire included questions regarding knowledge of and attitudes toward obesity treatment, treatment practices, nutrition instruction, years of practice, and perceived barriers to obesity. Pearson's correlations and chi‐square tests were used to examine relationships. Preliminary results indicate that 86% of physicians received less than the recommended 25 hours of nutrition instruction in medical school, and were not very knowledgeable of medical nutrition therapy for obesity (6.7±0.1out of a possible score of 13). Knowledge, adequacy of nutrition instruction in medical school, and participation in nutrition‐related continuing medical education were positively related to engaging in recommended obesity treatment practices. Attitudes and obesity treatment practices of physicians were significantly correlated (r =0.246, p=0.003). It was concluded that physicians in this sample are not adequately prepared to treat obesity. Strategies are needed to improve their obesity‐related knowledge, attitudes and practices. The study was funded in part by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.