Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding a Weight-Neutral Approach to Health Promotion in Primary Care Settings

Rising rates of obesity have caused much concern in recent years. However, research has consistently proven that when other variables are controlled, increased body size is not associated with morbidity or mortality and that intentional weight loss causes more harm than good. In response to this, many have urged a weight-neutral approach to health promotion. This would focus on increasing physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness, metrics that do impact morbidity and mortality, regardless of change in body weight. This study used a survey to discover what primary care clinicians know about physical activity and obesity with regard to health promotion and if their practice is in line with current guidelines. It found that the majority still hold the popular belief that weight loss is necessary to improve the health of overweight and obese individuals, and that they continue to recommend weight loss to their patients. This exploratory study identified that the knowledge and practice of general practitioners (GPs) in the National Health Service (NHS) Grampian are not in line with current research and guidance about weight loss and health. Further research is recommended to establish the wider applicability of these findings and to further investigate how these misconceptions influence practice.