S743 Assessing the Knowledge and Attitudes in Managing Obesity Among Medical Students and Residents at a University Program: A QA/QI Project

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease with a rising global prevalence and is linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and liver disorders. Physician bias toward individuals with obesity is well-documented and can adversely affect the patient-provider relationship, compromising the quality of care. In this qualitative study, we aim to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions related to obesity management among medical students (MS) and residents at a university-based training program. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a validated 20-item anonymous questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward obesity. The survey included 14 Likert-scale items and 6 multiple-response questions and was distributed to medical students and internal medicine residents at a university-affiliated hospital. Responses were collected via Google Forms and analyzed using SPSS. Results: A total of 70 responses were recorded, including 16 MS (22.9%) and 54 residents (77.1%). Of all respondents, 27 (38.6%) believed it is solely the physician’s responsibility to counsel patients about obesity, while the rest viewed it as a shared responsibility. Most (82.9%, n = 52) reported that counseling could be improved with more time for patient interaction, and 62.9% (n = 42) reported it could be improved if they got advice on how to not offend the patients. Only 21 (30%) routinely discussed the link between obesity and liver disease. When referring to patients, 50 (70.4%) used “patients with obesity,” while 21 (29.6%) used “obese patients.” Most agreed that obesity is a chronic disease (4.7 ± 0.56) requiring long-term management (4.7 ± 0.6), though confidence in managing it was lower (3.1 ± 1). While most disagreed with negative stereotypes (1.69 ± 0.9), many found initiating weight-related discussions challenging due to concerns about offending patients (3.1 ± 1.0). Conclusion: Many trainees feel underprepared to manage obesity despite recognizing it as a chronic disease. Time constraints, discomfort with weight-related discussions, and under-recognition of liver risks hinder care. Focused communication training and a supportive clinical culture that treats obesity as a disease, not a moral failing, can improve trainee confidence and promote respectful, effective conversations.