Misalignment among adolescents living with obesity, caregivers, and healthcare professionals: ACTION Teens global survey study.

Abstract

There is limited evidence regarding the experiences, challenges, and needs of adolescents living with obesity (ALwO), their caregivers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs). The cross-sectional, survey-based global ACTION Teens study aimed to identify perceptions, attitudes, behaviours, and barriers to effective obesity care among ALwO, caregivers of ALwO, and HCPs. ALwO (aged 12 to <18 years; N=5275), caregivers (N=5389), and HCPs treating ALwO (N=2323) from 10 countries completed an online survey (August-December 2021). Most ALwO perceived their weight as above normal (76% vs. 66% of caregivers), were worried about its impact on their health (85% vs. 80% of caregivers), and recently made a weight loss attempt (58%). While 45% of caregivers believed ALwO would slim down with age, only 24% of HCPs agreed. Most commonly reported weight loss motivators for ALwO were wanting to be more fit/in better shape according to ALwO (40%) and caregivers (32%), and improved confidence/social life according to HCPs (69%). ALwO weight loss barriers included lack of hunger control (most commonly reported by ALwO/caregivers), lack of motivation, unhealthy eating habits (most commonly agreed by HCPs), and lack of exercise. Misalignment between ALwO, caregivers, and HCPs-including caregivers' underestimation of the impact of obesity on ALwO and HCPs' misperception of key motivators/barriers for weight loss-suggests a need for improved communication and education.