Perceptions, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Primary Care Providers Toward Obesity Management: A Qualitative Study

Background and Problem Statement: Obesity is a prevalent chronic disease associated with decreased life expectancy, increased morbidity and mortality, and escalating health care costs.

To explore perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors toward obesity management by providers in primary care.

Data were collected through a descriptive qualitative design using semi-structured face-to-face interviews at primary care practices.

Common barriers to obesity management were identified and three major themes emerged; provider centered obstacles, perceived organizational obstacles, and provider perception of patient obstacles.

Obesity is not being effectively managed in these primary care practices and three common themes/obstacles must be addressed.