Physicians' Perceptions of Using Physical Education for Managing Childhood Obesity

In brief: The authors studied how physicians perceive the role of physical education in managing childhood obesity. Ninety-six pediatricians and 97 family physicians returned questionnaires that included four statements about multidisciplinary interaction among health care professionals and six statements about physical education programs. Although the results of the survey indicated that physicians may not be aware of the current role of physical education in obesity management, they said the role should be greater. The authors suggest that physicians and physical educators establish avenues of communication so they can work together for the benefit of obese children.