Physicians’ Attitude Toward Identification and Management of Childhood Obesity in Israel

Obesity is a serious health problem, and is becoming increasingly common in affluent societies. In 1998, an Expert Committee published guidelines regarding obesity evaluation and treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the attitude of primary care physicians in Israel toward diagnosis and treatment of childhood obesity, as related to the recommended guidelines. Primary physicians caring for children and adolescents were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire including personal and professional details, methods of diagnosis, documentation and treatment of childhood obesity, and familiarity with and implemention of the Expert Committee recommendations. One hundred forty-four physicians, treating approximately 100,000 children monthly, completed the questionnaire. Ninety-four percent were considered to have diagnosed obesity properly. Furthermore, only 19% reported weighing all children examined, while 99% of the physicians suggested some treatment for obesity. The most frequent recommendati...