Should gynecologists approach obesity? A survey analysis.

Abstract

This study evaluated the prevalence of women attending gynecological consultations who wish to discuss weight issues, barriers preventing physicians from addressing obesity, and differences in perceptions between patients and physicians. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2021 to June 2022 at the Centro de Atenção Integral à Saúde da Mulher in São Bernardo do Campo, including 404 female patients (median age: 47.5 years) and 140 gynecologists. Most patients were obese, with class I obesity being the most common (58 percent). Among obese participants, 46.4 percent reported chronic hypertension, and 12.7 percent had type 2 diabetes. Nearly 90 percent of women supported discussing weight during consultations, and 80 percent recognized the benefits of modest weight loss. Physicians (average consultation time: 30 minutes) addressed weight regularly (75 percent) but cited insufficient time (55.7 percent) and inadequate training (40 percent) as barriers. While 67 percent of patients felt motivated to lose weight, 77.8 percent of physicians believed their patients lacked motivation. Both groups largely rejected pharmacological and surgical treatments. Most women viewed weight loss as their personal responsibility, while fewer than half of physicians agreed. These findings highlight gaps in communication and differing perceptions, emphasizing the need for educational interventions to enhance physician-patient interactions and integrate weight management into routine gynecological care.