Analyzing the approach and treatment applied by Endocrinology- and Metabology-expert physicians to patients living with excess weight

Abstract

Introduction: Body weight increase is a contemporary trend that leads to health issues in the world’s population. Social stigma associated with this patient profile has negative repercussions, mainly in physician-patient interactions, which can result in weight gain and in increased mortality rates. Thus, the management of this worldwide disease requires a better understanding of its multiple aspects, as recommended by international guidelines.  Purpose: The aim of the current study was to analyze some aspects of the therapeutic approach adopted by Endocrinology and Metabology-expert physicians to treat patients living with excess weight, based on information available in current guidelines. Methodology: Observational, cross-sectional study conducted with convenience sample deriving from the scientific update group “EndoNews”, which is hosted in online platform. Data were collected through structured questionnaire completed by 246 participants. Similar responses were grouped and subjected to Chi-square tests, at 5% Alpha. Results: 72% of physicians reported to have additional difficulties to treat this patient profile (PWD). PWD reports were mostly associated with work environments described as ill-equipped (p-value = 0.009), with the Northern and Northeastern macroregions (p-Value = 0.012), with weak belief in long-term therapeutic success (p-value = 0.004) and with approach self-reported as less encouraging (p-value = 0.001). Other variables presenting statistical significance were also reported. Conclusion: It was possible drawing different profiles for physicians with (PWD) and without difficulty (PND) to treat patients living with excess weight. Factors, such as region of practice and ill-equipped infrastructure, were predictive of such a difficulty. Moreover, certain factors used to analyze participants’ agreement with guidelines have shown that PWD diverged more often from the recommended information. Therefore, reflections on language, strategies and infrastructural preparedness to serve these patients were suggested, aiming at subsequent changes in physicians’ attitude towards their treatment.