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

Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Dalit Modan-Moses

Division of Pediatrics, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel, Tel Aviv University, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel

Yoram Bujanover

Tel Aviv University, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel, Pediatric Department B, Division of Pediatrics, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel

Saralee Glasser

Women & Children’s Health Research Unit, Gertner Institute

Joseph Meyerovitch

Division of Pediatrics, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel, Tel Aviv University, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv, 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 recommendations for managing obesity were referral to a dietitian (92%), physical exercise (85%), and group treatment (27%). The majority of physicians (78%) were not familiar with the new Expert Committee recommendations regarding obesity treatment. This study suggests that the majority of primary physicians diagnose obesity properly and recommend accepted modalities to manage obesity. A comprehensive program to prevent and treat obesity is recommended to improve the health status of the population.

Clinical Pediatrics, Vol. 43, No. 8, 737-741 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/000992280404300808


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