Family physicians’ knowledge, beliefs, and practices in promoting healthy lifestyles and weight management for obese patients in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

The study included 83 family physicians. Of these, 84.1% agreed that overweight and obese patients should be screened for dyslipidemia, and 67.5% agreed to offer advice on weight control even if the patient did not ask for it, demonstrating what family medicine physicians thought of physical inactivity (97.6%). Assessment of the obesity counseling practices of family medicine physicians revealed that approximately three-fourths (75.9%) always calculated the body mass index (BMI) of patients during obesity management, while comprehensive counseling regarding physical activity was higher (81.9%). The system for providing educational materials as part of managing overweight or obesity was found to be inadequate as 25.3% had never done so. The family medicine physicians had sufficient knowledge and positive beliefs about obesity management but also improper counseling practices. A lack of training and poor patient compliance with management plans are the main barriers to controlling obesity levels.