Diagnosis and management of childhood obesity: A survey of general practitioners in South West Sydney

Abstract

To describe general practitioners' (GPs) diagnosis and management of overweight and obesity in children, their attitudes regarding obesity and their awareness of National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) clinical practice guidelines. A cross-sectional written survey of members of the Liverpool Division of General Practice (located in South West Sydney, Australia). Of 137 questionnaires sent, 85 (62%) were returned. Although the majority prescribed the correct interventions, there was variability in complications screening, ranging from 75% screening for psychosocial problems to 30% for fatty liver. Less than a third (28%) of GPs used NHMRC guidelines in their practice and only 9% used body mass index charts to correctly diagnose childhood obesity. GPs felt that childhood obesity was a significant issue and identified parental denial and lack of community support as barriers to treatment. Although NHMRC guideline adherence was far from universal, the GPs in our survey are motivated and aware of the importance of managing childhood obesity. If the primary care approach is to work, then GPs need support and education in an environment where there is greater community awareness of the impact of childhood obesity.