Prevalence and risk factors for overweight and obesity among primary care physicians

Background: Primary health care (PHC) physicians play a major role in delivering weight management programs through their close contact with patients and the public. However, obese physicians may have negative attitudes toward obesity management. Aim of Study: To assess prevalence of obesity among PHC physicians and to explore their attitudes and practices regarding obesity management. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was followed at PHC centers in Abha City. It included 120 PHC physicians. A data collection sheet was developed. It comprised participants' sociodemographic characteristics, their attitude and practices toward obesity management and their body mass index (BMI). Results: Most participants (83.3%) had a positive attitude toward obesity management and 79.2% provide counseling for obese patients. About one-third of PHC physicians (32.5%) were overweight, and 25% were obese. Overweight and obesity were significantly more prevalent among male than female physicians (p=0.026). PHC physicians' attitude toward obesity management differed significantly according to their classes of body mass index (p=0.014). Counseling of obese patients differed significantly according to their classes of body mass index (p=0.035). Conclusions: Prevalence of overweight and obesity among PHC physicians in Abha City is quite high, especially among male physicians. Physicians' attitude toward management of obesity is mainly positive. Positive attitude and provision of counseling regarding obesity management are less common among overweight and obese PHC physicians. Recommendations: Urgent actions are required to motivate PHC physicians, especially males, to achieve a healthy normal body weight. They should be encouraged to provide counseling on obesity management.