Perceived Health Concerns and Barriers to Care in Persons With Overweight and Obesity: A Patient Survey.

Abstract

To identify patient characteristics, health concerns, and barriers to care based on overweight or obesity. A 50-question anonymous survey was administered to patients. Data were compared by body mass index (BMI). Among 3976 distributed surveys, 899 were returned and 682 were analyzed. Most respondents were women (60%), White (94%), and married/partnered (65%) and had some college education (80%). Younger and unmarried persons had higher BMI (<i>P</i> < .001). Concern for quality of life (<i>P</i> < .001) and importance of lifestyle changes (<i>P</i> = .006) increased with BMI, but confidence in making changes decreased as BMI increased (<i>P</i> < .001). Perceived good health decreased with increasing BMI (<i>P</i> < .001), whereas depression and other comorbid conditions increased. Self-esteem decreased and stigma increased with higher BMI (both <i>P</i> < .001). Weight discussions with clinicians (<i>P</i> < .001) and belief that clinicians should be involved in weight management (<i>P</i> = .002) increased with BMI, yet self-perception of being judged by clinicians also increased (<i>P</i> < .001). As BMI increased, delays in seeking health care increased (<i>P</i> < .001). This survey study highlights perceived health concerns and barriers to care among persons with overweight and obesity. With higher BMI, self-esteem decreased, and stigma, self-perception of poor health, perception of being judged by clinicians, and delay in seeking medical care increased.