Abstracts / Posters
How does the primary care team intend to manage the obesity epidemic in their high risk patients?
Accepted for poster presentation, Diabetes UK 2003
The Counterweight Project Team
Introduction: Obesity increases the risk of diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors. Weight loss achieved by lifestyle change can limit progression to diabetes, and improve diabetic control. How do general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses (PNs) approach obesity?
Methods: 141 GPs & 66 PNs from 40 Counterweight practices (UK, 7-centre obesity project) participated in structured interviews in which clinicians self-reported their approaches to obesity management.
Results: 83% of GPs and 97% of PNs reported that they would raise weight as in issue with obese patients (P<0.01). Few GPs (15%) reported spending up to 10 minutes in a consultation discussing weight-related issues, compared to PNs (76%; P<0.0001). Approaches commonly reported by GPs were referral to a PN (78%), dietitian (58%), exercise referral scheme (50%) and commercial weight loss agency (41%). Similarly PNs referred to a dietitian (59%; P=0.90) or exercise scheme (56%; P=0.44), but PNs referred more often to commercial agencies (68%; P<0.001). 3 practices (7.5%) held specific obesity/dietetic clinics, all other practices saw patients opportunistically at existing clinics/appointments.
Conclusion: Lifestyle management in primary care is based on brief opportunistic intervention undertaken mainly by PNs. There appears to be a reliance on external sources of weight management support.