Perceptions and attitudes towards obesity and metabolic and bariatric surgery for weight loss in children and adolescents: a survey among a subset of Chinese residents

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents and the number of cases of bariatric surgery among children and adolescents is increasing; the discussion on weight loss among children and adolescents is becoming polarized. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among a sample of Chinese children and adolescents and the perceptions and attitudes of a subset of Chinese residents towards obesity, weight loss, and MBS for weight loss in children and adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey among a subset of Chinese residents, collected from August 5, 2022 to October 30, 2022. Participants were a subset of Chinese population, including adults, children, and adolescents. RESULTS: A total of 3015 questionnaires were returned. Children and adolescents with overweight and obesity accounted for 16.6% and 9.4%. Gender, education, occupation and age were associated with the perceptions and attitudes of Chinese residents toward obesity and weight loss in children and adolescents; age, occupation and BMI were associated with the perceptions and attitudes toward MBS in children and adolescents. There are 10.8% of the respondents thought MBS was the most suitable method for children and adolescents, and 34.7% were unwilling to have MBS for their children. The percentage of respondents who thought it was appropriate for children and adolescents to undergo bariatric surgery at the age of 12-18 was 18.6%; 60.96% said they did not know enough about the surgery; most were aware that the effects of the surgery included weight loss (84.78%), improved self-confidence/ improved self-image (78.97%), improved disease (e.g., reduced drug use) (70.3%) and better performance in interpersonal interactions (51.70%). CONCLUSIONS: A subset of Chinese residents are not fully aware of the harm of obesity among children and adolescents and its related complications. They have insufficient knowledge and trust in MBS and underestimate the benefits of the procedure. More health education is still required in these areas.