Waikato GP perspectives on obesity management in general practice: a short report
Kimberley Norman 1 * , Lynne Chepulis 1 , Fiona Campbell 2 , Lisette Burrows 1 , Ross Lawrenson 1 21 Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.
2 Waikato District Health Board, Private Bag 3200, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.
Journal of Primary Health Care 14(2) 146-150 https://doi.org/10.1071/HC22019
Published: 27 May 2022
© 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND)
Abstract
Introduction: Obesity is a multifaceted clinical and public health issue affecting over 34% of New Zealand adults. The Ministry of Health has positioned general practice as the best-suited location for addressing the health effects of obesity. Previous literature has identified barriers to the delivery of effective obesity management in general practice.
Aim: To explore Waikato GP perspectives to determine areas for improving the care of adults with weight problems.
Methods: A short exploratory questionnaire was used to collect data from 29 GPs across the Waikato region. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used.
Results: The majority of GPs reported: they would wait for their patient to raise the issue of their weight; would offer weight advice themselves as a first option before considering referral; did not view general practice as best suited in tackling the obesity epidemic; and utilised bariatric surgery as a referral option while noting the inequities in access.
Discussion: The survey identified barriers to discussing weight with patients and in finding effective treatment options. Psychosocial and sociocultural aspects were recognised as contributing factors to obesity, but not highlighted as available treatment options. Bariatric surgery was reported as a viable option for treatment, but with barriers to access in the public system. This study found strong trends and themes, which identify an urgent need for further exploration into weight management pathways in New Zealand.
Keywords: general practice, health care, inequity, obesity, opinion, perspective, primary care, weight management.
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