Physicians’ personal beliefs about weight-related care and their associations with care delivery: The U.S. National Survey of Energy Balance Related Care among Primary Care Physicians

Summary Background: Overweight and obesity are major health risks in the United States (US) and primary care physicians (PCPs) are uniquely positioned to address them. However, their personal beliefs about weight-related care may influence their delivery of care. Methods: A nationally representative sample of 2022 physicians completed the National Survey of Energy Balance-Related Care among Primary Care Physicians. Physicians responded to questions regarding their beliefs and clinical practices associated with weight control including assessment, counselling, referral and follow-up for diet, physical activity, and weight. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine associations between physician characteristics and personal beliefs, and associations between personal beliefs and care delivery, adjusting for specialty, age, gender, race, region, urban/rural location, and patient population.