Abstract
BackgroundObesity is a significant public health concern. General practitioners (GPs) see a large percentage of the population and are well placed to provide weight management advice. There has been little examination of the types of weight loss strategies used in Australian general practice patients. This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the proportion of normal weight, overweight and obese general practice patients who report trying to lose weight in the past 12 months, the types of weight loss strategies and diets used as well as the proportion consulting their GP prior to trying to lose weight.MethodsAdult patients completed a touchscreen computer survey while waiting for their appointment. Responses from 1335 patients in twelve Australian practices are reported.ResultsA larger proportion of obese patients had tried to lose weight in the past 12 months (73%) compared to those who were overweight (55%) and normal weight (33%). The most commonly used strategy used was changing diet and increasing exercise in all BMI categories. Less than 10% used strategies such as prescription medication, over the counter supplements and consulted a weight loss specialist. Low calorie and low fat diets were the most frequently reported diets used to lose weight in those who were normal weight, overweight and obese. Overall, the proportion seeking GP advice was low, with 12% of normal weight, 15% of overweight and 43% of obese patients consulting their GP prior to trying to lose weight.ConclusionsA large proportion of overweight or obese patients have tried to lose weight and utilized strategies such as changing diet and increasing exercise. Most attempts however were unassisted, with low rates of consultation with GPs and weight loss specialists. Ways to assist overweight and obese general practice patients with their weight loss attempts need to be identified.
Highlights
Obesity is a significant public health concern
Recent studies have reported that approximately 62% of Australians [1] and 68% of Americans [2] have a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 25 kg/m2
Overweight and obesity are common among general practice patients, with prevalence rates of as high as 70% being reported in this setting [10]
Summary
General practitioners (GPs) see a large percentage of the population and are well placed to provide weight management advice. Recent studies have reported that approximately 62% of Australians [1] and 68% of Americans [2] have a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 25 kg/m2 This condition imposes significant burden on both the individual and society and is estimated to cost 21 billion dollars in Australia [3] and up to 147 billion in the United States annually [4]. Given that a large proportion of the population see their GP at least once a year, and that many of these will be overweight or obese, this suggests that there may be potential for GPs to opportunistically provide weight management advice and assistance
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
