OBJECTIVE: To provide insight into Canadian dietitians' attitudes and practices regarding obesity and weight management. DESIGN: Cross-sectional mail survey of a stratified random sample of members of Canadian dietetic associations. SUBJECTS: A total of 514 dietitians (74% of those surveyed), 350 (69%) of whom actively counselled overweight/obese clients. MEASUREMENTS: Participants received a questionnaire to assess dietitians' attitudes regarding obesity and overweight, views regarding their role in weight management, counselling practices, and the criteria used to judge success. Demographic variables were collected. RESULTS: Most dietitians believed that obesity contributes to morbidity and mortality, and that small weight losses produced important health benefits. However, 80% agreed that health indicators other than weight loss should be the focus of obesity management, and 55% specifically recommended that clients not weigh themselves. Instead, weight management was promoted by recommending healthy eating and increased physical activity. Three-quarters agreed that they are the profession best trained to manage obesity but two-thirds believed their time would be better spent preventing rather than managing obesity. Dietitians most valued education received from on-the-job support and mentoring from other dietitians. Participants reported wanting to learn more about motivational and behavioural modification counselling techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Canadian dietitians follow a lifestyle approach to weight management. Studies are required to formally assess the effectiveness of various aspects of this approach.
OBJECTIVE: To provide insight into Canadian dietitians' attitudes and practices regarding obesity and weight management. DESIGN: Cross-sectional mail survey of a stratified random sample of members of Canadian dietetic associations. SUBJECTS: A total of 514 dietitians (74% of those surveyed), 350 (69%) of whom actively counselled overweight/obese clients. MEASUREMENTS: Participants received a questionnaire to assess dietitians' attitudes regarding obesity and overweight, views regarding their role in weight management, counselling practices, and the criteria used to judge success. Demographic variables were collected. RESULTS: Most dietitians believed that obesity contributes to morbidity and mortality, and that small weight losses produced important health benefits. However, 80% agreed that health indicators other than weight loss should be the focus of obesity management, and 55% specifically recommended that clients not weigh themselves. Instead, weight management was promoted by recommending healthy eating and increased physical activity. Three-quarters agreed that they are the profession best trained to manage obesity but two-thirds believed their time would be better spent preventing rather than managing obesity. Dietitians most valued education received from on-the-job support and mentoring from other dietitians. Participants reported wanting to learn more about motivational and behavioural modification counselling techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Canadian dietitians follow a lifestyle approach to weight management. Studies are required to formally assess the effectiveness of various aspects of this approach.
Authors: Juan José Rodríguez Cristóbal; Josefa Ma Panisello Royo; Carlos Alonso-Villaverde Grote; José Ma Pérez Santos; Anna Muñoz Lloret; Francisca Rodríguez Cortés; Pere Travé Mercadé; Francisca Benavides Márquez; Pilar Martí de la Morena; Ma José González Burgillos; Marta Delclós Baulies; Domingo Bleda Fernández; Elida Quillama Torres Journal: BMC Fam Pract Date: 2010-03-18 Impact factor: 2.497
Authors: Jacqueline Tol; Ilse C Swinkels; Peter M Spreeuwenberg; Chantal J Leemrijse; Dinny H de Bakker; Cindy Veenhof Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2012-09-14 Impact factor: 2.655
Authors: Mariana D Ulian; Bruno Gualano; Fabiana B Benatti; Patricia L de Campos-Ferraz; Odilon J Roble; Bruno T Modesto; Bruna C Brito; Karina A Murakawa; Mariana D Torre; Aline Cc Tritto; Ramiro F Unsain; Priscila de M Sato; Fernanda B Scagliusi Journal: Clin Med Insights Womens Health Date: 2015-09-13