PERCEPTIONS, ATTITUDES, BEHAVIORS, AND BARRIERS OF PEOPLE WITH OBESITY AND HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS ABOUT OBESITY AND ITS MANAGEMENT: THAILAND PERSPECTIVE FROM THE ACTION APAC SURVEY STUDY

Background: Obesity rates are increasing in Thailand, with their impact extending beyond the healthcare system, conferring a substantial burden on the individual, society, and the economy. Objectives: The ACTION APAC (Awareness, Care and Treatment In Obesity Management Asia Pacific) study aimed to identify perceptions and attitudes towards obesity among people with obesity (PwO) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Here, we report the findings of the Thailand data set. Methods: An online, cross-sectional survey was conducted across nine countries, including Thailand, recruiting respondents (PwO, HCPs) through online, telephone, and public intercept methods. PwO participants aged 18 years and older (body mass index ≥25 kg/m²) were included based on self-reported height and weight. Eligible HCPs had over two years of direct patient care experience. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: In total, 1,503 PwO and 200 HCPs completed the survey. Most PwO (74%) and HCPs (92%) recognize obesity as a chronic disease; however, only 49% of PwO discussed weight with their HCP, and 51% felt weight loss was their responsibility. The primary reasons for not discussing weight included self-responsibility (PwO, 34%) and HCPs perceiving the patient as uninterested (39%). Most PwO (78%) liked HCPs discussing weight, with only 11% feeling offended. While 48% of PwO relied on the Internet for weight management information, only 28% consulted HCPs. PwO and HCPs identified a lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits as significant barriers to weight loss and preferred a healthy diet and exercise to lose weight. Conclusions: Recognizing that most Thai PwO appreciate HCPs initiating weight discussions presents an opportunity for proactive, open, and collaborative dialogue by HCPs. Further, there is a nationwide need to improve awareness about obesity and obesity-specific interventions to improve its management.