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Physicians want more training to combat obesity
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 31, 2012
Most doctors report failing to help their obese patients drop pounds and say more training and measurement would help them treat obesity, said a survey of 500 U.S. primary care physicians whose results were published Dec. 20 in BMJ Open. Less than half of the doctors said they were able to help their obese patients lose weight.
Vast majorities of the physicians surveyed supported better measurement of obesity, such as including body mass index as a fifth vital sign, entering diet and exercise tips in patient charts, using scales that automatically calculate BMI and adding BMI to patient charts. Younger physicians felt a little more successful in helping obese patients, but there was no age difference in physician support for more and better medical education on nutrition, said the study (link).
