Self esteem and public distress experienced by of obese patients attending general practice in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas

Primary Health Care Research Conference, Canberra

This presentation is available here.

Context and Aims: Obesity is a significant health priority for Australia. While the burden to the health system is well recognised, the psychological burden for obese people is less considered. Feeling stigmatised can be a barrier to seeking help to manage weight. This is particularly important with increasing levels of obesity, which are associated with increasing health problems.

Methods: As part of a randomised clinical trial, telephone interviews were conducted with 148 patients aged 40–70 years with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 from 20 general practices in socioeconomically disadvantaged of Sydney and Adelaide. Two-thirds of the sample was female. The Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite (IWQOL-LITE) was administered. Scales relevant to feeling stigmatised were analysed. Differences between patients with Class 1 obesity (BMI 30-<35), and Class 2+ obesity (BMI≥35) were tested.

Findings: While there was no significant difference between Class 1 and Class 2+ patients in weight-related self-esteem (p=0.09), Class 2+ patients reported significantly higher levels of public distress due to their weight (p<0.000). 

Innovative contribution to policy, practice and/or research: Primary health care providers can play an important role in assisting obese patients to deal with feeling distressed about obesity, whether it is in demonstrating non-judgemental attitudes or referring patients for counselling. This is increasingly important as obesity levels increase.