Healthcare Provider Awareness and Perspectives on Obesity: A Survey Across Medical Specialties

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease requiring multifactorial management; however, gaps remain between clinical guidelines and real-world practice. Given the high prevalence of obesity in the Gulf region, understanding Healthcare Providers' (HCPs) awareness and perceived barriers is essential for better, tailored regional treatment strategies.

This study aimed to address the existing knowledge gaps through exploring HCP awareness, perspectives and expectations on the complexities of obesity management across various medical specialties and seeking to refine management strategies.

A cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted among HCPs attending the joint 21st International Congress of Endocrinology (ICE 2024) and 14th Emirates Diabetes and Endocrinology Congress (EDEC) held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Thirteen multiple-choice questions assessed HCPs' views on the contributing factors, barriers to effective management, and expectations for future care of obesity.

Of approximately 3200 attendees, 565 participated (17.7% response rate). Confidence in diagnosing obesity was high (85.1%). Body Mass Index (BMI) was used as the sole diagnostic tool by 43.9% of the respondents. The rising prevalence of obesity was attributed primarily to inappropriate dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles (60.4%). Key barriers to effective obesity management reported were the cost of treatment (52.3%) and lack of patient awareness (35.5%).To enhance the quality of obesity care, HCPs emphasized the need for improved understanding of obesity pathophysiology (64.9%) and advocated for individualized treatment approaches (49.6%).

Addressing barriers to obesity care and enhancing HCP education are important steps toward more effective and patient-centered obesity management.