47 Awareness of Obesity and Morbid Obesity Amongst General Population: A Pilot, Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Abstract

Abstract Aim The aim of this study is to ascertain level of awareness regarding morbid obesity (MO) in patients visiting a GP surgery. Method A seven-question survey was created to assess population awareness of obesity. The questions assessed participant awareness of the BMI definition, causes, management, and co-concomitant diseases related to obesity. The participants were recruited on a voluntary basis at a GP surgery in Manchester. Results A total of 226 participants completed the obesity awareness survey. 73.1% of respondents reported that they were aware of obesity being a disease. However, only 59.29% felt that they knew the difference between obesity and MO. The correct BMI range defining obesity was selected by 28.34% of respondents. Majority of the respondents chose “multifactorial” (44.69%) as the cause of obesity, followed by overeating (34.07%), lack of exercise (27.43%), and hormonal imbalance (5.31%). 59.29% felt that MO should be treated aggressively with majority selecting a combined treatment approach (Surgical + Medical + Lifestyle changes) (54.87%). Diabetes (86.73%), depression (73.45%), obstructive sleep apnea (54.52%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (54.54%) were selected most commonly as diseases-related to MO. Only 38.94% and 36.73% thought that reflux disease and hypertension were related to MO, respectively. Interestingly, only 0.88% picked all four MO-related diseases accurately, while 35.40% picked at least three diseases correctly. Conclusions Obesity awareness in the general population appears to be suboptimal. There is a need to introduce appropriate interventions to improve the knowledge of public regarding obesity with the view of reducing the prevalence of obesity and subsequently related healthcare costs.