obesity
Wednesday, April 4th, 2007Physicians Speak Out on Obesity
Obesity is one of today's leading public health issues, with more than half of all Americans considered overweight or obese.
In a recent study by Epocrates, over 500 physicians shared their opinions on the severity of the crisis, contributing factors, proposed solutions and health risks caused by the “most severe public health issue” facing America.
We encourage you to view the survey results and share your opinions below.
View the survey results »
Which of the following public health issues do you consider “extremely severe” or “severe?”
| Obesity | Chronic disease | Smoking | Uninsured population | AIDS | Malnutrition | Bird flu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale in percentage of respondents: 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% | ||||||
| 94% | 93% | 90% | 62% | 53% | 21% | 17% |
How Severe is the Obesity Crisis?
- Physicians rank obesity as the most important public health issue, followed by chronic disease, smoking, uninsured population and AIDS
- Bird flu and malnutrition were not viewed as severe public health issues
Approximately what percent of your patients do you consider to be clinically overweight?
What Percentage of Americans are Overweight?
- More than half of physicians believe at least 50% of their patients are clinically overweight
- Nearly 90% of physicians believe this percentage has increased in the last five years
- The American Obesity Association (www.obesity.org) reports 65% of U.S. adults are overweight and 31% are obese
Note: None selected below 10%
For the patients that you consider overweight, please estimate the percent with whom you have discussed weight loss?
Are Physicians Discussing Weight Loss?
- Overall, physicians are likely to discuss weight loss with at least 30% of their overweight patients
Approximately, what percent of your colleagues do you consider to be clinically overweight?
Are Physicians Obese Too?
- Obesity also appears to be an issue among physicians
- Eighty-eight percent of physicians believe at least 30% of their colleagues are overweight
Who do you believe is primarily responsible for
causing and solving the obesity crisis?
| Individuals | Food industry | Family | Government | Physician | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | Solution | Cause | Solution | Cause | Solution | Cause | Solution | Cause | Solution |
| Scale in percentage of respondents: 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% | |||||||||
| 51% | 44% | 29% | 6% | 9% | 11% | 1% | 15% | 0% | 19% |
Who is Responsible for the Obesity Crisis?
- Overall, physicians primarily view individuals as responsible for obesity; However the food industry was also viewed as a key contributor
- Nearly 20% of physicians view their profession as responsible for helping to address the obesity issue
- While not viewed as responsible for causing the obesity crisis, physicians see a role for government in addressing the issue
Note: “Other” responses omitted
What factors do you believe help motivate obese adults to make lifestyle changes to improve their health?
| Education | Fear of long-term health risks | Physician consultation | Societal pressures | Family intervention | Fear of death | New medication therapies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale in percentage of respondents: 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% | ||||||
| 69% | 68% | 64% | 58% | 45% | 44% | 30% |
What Will Drive Lifestyle Changes?
- Physicians view education and fear of long term health risks as factors which will drive lifestyle changes
- New medications are not viewed as a powerful motivator
Note: participants may select all that apply; includes responses above 10%
Which of the following initiatives do you believe will have a significant impact on addressing obesity?
| Banning soda machines in schools | Eliminating fast foods in schools | Educating lower income families about nutrition | Higher health insurance premiums for overweight adults | TV ads about better nutrition | Portion control “snack packs” | Banning transfats in all foods | Minority focused obesity campaigns | Banning transfats in restaurants | Gastric bypass or laproscopic surgery | TV shows (e.g. Biggest loser) | Movies (e.g. Super Size Me) | New OTC drug Alli |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale in percentage of respondents: 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% | ||||||||||||
| 36% | 33% | 25% | 20% | 19% | 13% | 11% | 9% | 8% | 5% | 5% | 4% | 3% |
What Initiatives Will Have the Most Impact on Reducing Obesity?
- Physicians rated school focused initiatives as having the highest potential impact
- Physicians are least optimistic about the impact of new OTC drug Alli in reducing obesity
Note: includes responses above 10%
Which factors do you believe contribute the most to obesity?
| Lack of physicial activity | Portion size | Poor nutrition knowledge | Genetics | High-fructose corn syrup | Stress level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale in percentage of respondents: 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% | ||||||
| 83% | 59% | 20% | 13% | 7% | 7% | |
What are the Leading Causes of Obesity?
- Physicians view lack of physical activity as the leading cause of obesity
- Nearly 60% of physicians view portion size as an important contributing factor to obesity
Note: participants may select two
What do you view as the best weight loss program?
| Weight Watchers | South Beach Diet | Jenny Craig | Atkins Diet | Glycemic Index | Slim-Fast | The Zone Diet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale in percentage of respondents: 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% | ||||||
| 93% | 52% | 16% | 16% | 12% | 6% | 5% |
What is the Best Weight Loss Program?
- Physicians rated Weight Watchers and South Beach Diet as the best weight loss programs available (www.weightwatchers.com and www.SouthBeachDiet.com)
Note: participants may select two
Which of the following do you believe to be a health risk for clinically overweight children?
| Increase in type 2 diabetes | More likely to be an obese adult | High cholesterol & blood pressure | Increase in sleep apnea | High incidence of orthopedic problems | High incidence of liver disease | High incidence of asthma |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale in percentage of respondents: 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% | ||||||
| 94% | 90% | 78% | 65% | 57% | 29% | 23% |
What are the Most Recognized Childhood Obesity Health Risks?
- The majority of physicians were aware of increased health risks such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol/blood pressure
- However, many physicians were not aware of the increased risk of liver disease and asthma among obese children
Note: participants may select all that apply
Notes: Obesity Survey Background
Survey includes 580 Epocrates physicians comprising of Primary care physicians, Endocrinologists and Cardiologists.
- Primary working regions:
- 15% Rural
- 48% Suburban
- 37% Urban
- Primary clinical setting:
- 51% Group practice
- 12% Solo practice
- 12% Academic center
- 12% Outpatient clinic
- 11% Hospital
Thank you for viewing the results of our obesity survey
We invite you to share your thoughts on the topic and view the opinions of your colleagues in the discussion below.
- What have you found are the best ways to address the obesity issue with your patients?
- What initiatives have the most chance of helping to reduce the obesity rate?
We look forward to sharing additional insight from Epocrates users with you in the future.
The Epocrates Team
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