ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY - SURVEY OF DOCTORS IN SPECIALIZED AND HOSPITAL CARE
Magdalena Aleksandrova, Alexandrina Vodenitcharova, Radka Goranova- Spasova, Mirela Hasanaj
Pages: 15-22
ABSTRACT: The World Health Organization defines obesity as one of the most serious health threats in the 21st century (A number of specialists meet overweight and obese patients in their clinical practice on a daily basis.
The aim of the present study is to examine the ethical considerations in the control of overweight / obesity and the attitude of physicians of different specialties to patients with this health problem.
A survey was conducted among 156 doctors. The data presented are part of a larger study examining the ethical problems in the control of overweight and obesity.
According to our data, 42.3% of the surveyed doctors think that discussing weight is "embarrassing". Women are more likely to engage in overweight / obesity when they diagnose it. Physicians’ responses to the claim that overweight patients are lazier reveal a good attitude and willingness to address the problem.
Stigma is a common problem that results in worsening of eating disorders, increased obesity, depression and other negative consequences. The results of our survey show good attitudes of respondents, although more often they do not engage in long-term control of overweight.
Keywords: Overweight, obesity, prevention, ethical considerations, stigma
