Exploring Pediatric Obesity Training, Perspectives, and Management Patterns Among Pediatric Primary Care Physicians

Significant variability exists in the amount of formal obesity training obtained by physicians caring for pediatric patients. The study objective was to assess the relationship between formal obesity training and pediatrics physicians' perceptions, practice patterns, overall knowledge, and confidence during management of pediatric obesity.

An anonymous survey was distributed via email from February 2020 through March 2020 at a large academic system. Internal medicine/pediatrics (46 total) and pediatrics (104 total) primary care providers were selected. Data were collected on the total number of obesity-related training hours by quartiles, demographics, physicians' clinical practice patterns, and physicians' knowledge of pediatric obesity management, along with their perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs.

A total of 73 survey participants completed the survey: 69% were female, 77% were older than 40 years, and 74% were White. Physicians with the highest training were most likely to feel confident when managing pediatric obesity. However, only 20% of all physicians felt confident providing pre- and post-bariatric surgery care, and just 6% of physicians self-reported achieving management success.

Increased obesity training improves physicians' confidence and leads to familiarity with management guidelines. Formal obesity training should be prioritized during residency and beyond so that physicians who care for pediatric patients are better equipped to offer unbiased and effective care.