Body mass index and self-reported compliance with general health care

The relation between elevated body mass index (BMI)/overweight-obesity and compliance with health care remains unclear; some studies have demonstrated a relation whereas others have not. To add to the confusion, a number of studies have examined specialized populations (eg, patients with diabetes mellitus) and/or only one parameter of compliance (eg, taking medication). In the present study, we examined primary care outpatients for relations between BMI and multiple parameters of healthcare adherence/compliance.

Using a cross-sectional approach and a self-report survey methodology, we examined 250 primary care outpatients using three measures of healthcare compliance: conscientiousness in following through with medical treatment; a 5-item questionnaire examining compliance with general healthcare behaviors such as regular dental checkups and arrival to doctors' appointments on time; and the Medical Outcomes Study General Adherence Items, a general measure of compliance with physician directives.

With the exceptions of regular dental checkups, on-time arrival for doctors' appointments, and timely completion of laboratory work, the remaining variables demonstrated statistical significance at minimally the P & 0.05 level.

Patients with higher BMIs self-report less willingness to adhere to general healthcare requests/recommendations than patients with lower BMIs.