Background: The ACTION (Awareness, Care, and Treatment In Obesity maNagement) study examined perceptions, attitudes and behaviours related to obesity management among people with obesity (PwO) and healthcare professionals (HCPs).
Methods: A cross-sectional, US-based, stratified sampling of 3008 adults with obesity and 606 HCPs completed an online survey assessing perceptions, attitudes and behaviours associated with obesity management. Both groups self-reported on their height and weight and perceptions of obesity-related discussions between PwO and HCPs.
Results: Most PwO (82%) agreed weight loss (WL) is completely their responsibility and most HCPs (72%) agreed they are responsible to contribute to PwO WL efforts. PwO believe reaching a target weight is central to success. Half of PwO reported receiving a formal obesity diagnosis; however, PwO were more likely to have an obesity diagnosis if they were actively seeking treatment (57% vs. 51%) or reported successful WL (69% vs. 53%). Half of HCPs reported not discussing weight issues with PwO because of lack of appointment time. Of PwO who discussed weight with HCPs, 24% are scheduled for follow-up appointments to discuss weight. Most PwO reported they would keep the appointment and would trust HCPs’ weight management advice. Despite recent treatment developments, clinical discussions about WL focused more on healthy eating and physical activity and less on behavioural modifications and medical options like specialist visits, medications or surgery. Eighty per cent of PwO wanting to lose weight would commit to general improvements in eating habits and physical activity increases; 40% would commit to prescription WL medication.
Conclusions: HCPs can activate PwO using simple solutions: initiating discussions instead of waiting for patients to do so, scheduling follow-up appointments and formally diagnosing obesity. HCPs can improve dialogue by comprehensively discussing all treatment modalities and setting goals according to obesity guidelines.