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Gaps in obesity care and education

October 1, 2024 |  

Yesterday marked World Heart Day, and Medscape is at the forefront with a featured article in Media Planet’s cardiology campaign highlighting gaps in obesity care and education. This important piece also appeared in The Guardian

- PMLiVE

Obesity is a neglected public health problem. Causes can be multifactorial, including psychological, environmental, economic, cultural, societal and genetic. However, there continues to be a societal misperception that people with obesity are simply lazy and unmotivated. Negative stereotypes lead to poor healthcare provision for people living with obesity.

In 2023, Medscape Education performed a survey of 92 multidisciplinary physicians in Europe. Almost all survey participants considered obesity to be associated with serious health risks; however, only two-thirds viewed obesity as a chronic disease. Physicians considered that the main barriers to patients achieving sustained weight loss were economic and societal factors, lack of willpower and lack of education. Findings from other studies1,2,3 highlight a need to increase understanding of obesity and its causation.

Managing the complexities of obesity requires a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle changes and appropriate drug therapy.

Multifaceted obesity treatment

Managing the complexities of obesity requires a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle changes and appropriate drug therapy. New weight loss medications are changing the treatment landscape. Healthcare providers must be kept informed of the latest clinical advances to elevate patient care in this evolving field.

You can read the full article here

 

If you want to learn more about how Medscape Education is improving outcomes in cardiology and obesity through education contact Ellen Jenner

This content was provided by Medscape Education

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