Analysis of Obesity Care in Spanish Healthcare Settings: OBEQUIDAD Study

ABSTRACT Background Obesity management remains influenced by misconceptions about the disease, which compromise care quality. Introduction The OBEQUIDAD study explores the clinical management of people with obesity in Spain based on the perspectives of healthcare professionals involved in its treatment across different medical specialties. Methods A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted among endocrinologists, family and community medicine specialists, and internal medicine physicians actively treating people with obesity in Spain. The survey explored patient profiles, use of clinical practice guidelines, diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies, motivations for initiating obesity management interventions, and follow‐up practices. Results Among 352 respondents, 37% were family and community medicine specialists, 37% were endocrinologists, and 26% were internal medicine physicians. Most worked in the public sector (87%) and in non‐obesity specific medical consultations (82%). The most common patient profile attending for obesity included women (60%), individuals aged 40–64 years (51%) and people with Class I obesity (48%) who were diagnosed opportunistically (33%) or sought treatment themselves (31%). 95% of people with obesity have obesity‐related complications: dyslipidemia (55%), hypertension (52%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (51%). Dietary and nutritional changes and increased physical activity were the most recommended obesity management interventions. The use of medical and surgical treatments was more frequent in Class II and III obesity, compared to Class I. Reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications and improving people with obesity's functional capacity and their quality of life were the main reasons to start obesity treatment. Conclusion Obesity management in Spain is mainly reactive, with care often initiated opportunistically or at the patient's request, often once comorbidities have developed. There is variability in the use of clinical practice guidelines, and treatment generally follows a stepwise approach.