A qualitative study of GPs' views towards obesity: are they fighting or giving up?

OBJECTIVES

Several studies indicate that general practitioners (GPs) are not taking the issue of obesity as seriously as they should. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand GPs' views about obesity and obese people and how these professionals perceive their role in the treatment of this disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

METHODS

Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with Portuguese GPs. Data were analyzed according to thematic analysis procedures.

RESULTS

GPs are negative about their own role in obesity treatment. Although they believe it is part of their job to advise obese patients on the health risks of obesity, the majority of doctors think they are not making any difference in getting their patients to make long term lifestyle changes. GPs hold negative attitudes towards these patients blaming them for being unmotivated and non-compliant and are also pessimistic about their ability to lose weight. Doctors are facing a dilemma in their practices: they want to play an active role but, due to a set of negative beliefs and perceived barriers, they are playing a relatively passive role, feeling defeated and unmotivated, which is reflected in a decrease of efforts and a willing to give up on most of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This issue should be taken in to account during physicians' education since doctors should be aware of how their own beliefs and attitudes influence their behaviour and practices, compromising, therefore, the adherence to and the success in obesity treatment. They seem to need more precise guidelines and better tools for screening and management of obesity, more referral options, and improved coordination with other specialities.