The recognition and management of obesity at primary care in urban area

Jeoung, Young Jin; Yoon, Young Ju; Park, Hye Soon

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Recently, the prevalence of obesity has increased due to the development of industries and westernized diet pattern. Also, chronic diseases associated with obesity have increased as well Although management of obese patients is important in health promotion programs, there is no data that supports recognition and management of the obesity in primary care. Therefore, surveys concerning such issues were done among internists and family physicians in Seoul.
METHODS
In 1997 May, questionnaire was sent by mail to each 887 internists and family physicians working in primary care in Seoul.
RESULTS
A total of 186 replied to the questionnaire consisting of 21% of the total. The proportion of respondents who replied that obesity is a problem for management was 66.3%. Diet control and exercise was recognized as the most effective treatment method 82.1% of respondents recognized that failure to control weight was due to patients themselves. Personal experience in managing obesity patients using informational sources was only 14.5%. The proportion of respondents replied that those whose weight and height were measured for all first-visit patients was 50%, that obese patients received care in was 71%. Behavior modifications, diet control, and exercise were widely recommended, but drug therapy was not. 73.6% of respondents simply explained to control weight to obese patients, but only 17.1% continuously evaluated and managed them.
CONCLUSIONS
The degree of recognitions for obesity by primary care physicians in urban area was relatively low,regardless of its importance in health promotion. And, screening for obesity and continuous management for obese patients was inadequate. Efforts to manage obesity patients adequately in primary care is necessary.