Predictors of physician overweight and obesity in the USA: an empiric analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Because patients are more likely to follow advice from healthy weight rather than overweight physicians, seeks to determine whether physician overweight could be predicted by self‐reported physician eating behaviors.

Design methodology/approach

An anonymous, written, self‐administered, pre‐tested, confidential survey of practicing physicians in the Midwestern USA was undertaken.

Findings

Most surveyed physicians (394 or 74 per cent) completed the survey. The results indicate that stress at home (OR 2.62, CI 1.35‐5.08) was most significantly and strongly predictive of physician overweight (BMI>25kg/m²), as were particular eating behaviors, including eating food provided at the medical office. Assessment of overall health was significantly and strongly inversely proportionally predictive (OR 0.43, CI 0.30‐0.62) of physician overweight as well.

Research limitations/implications

The research implies that, like patients, practicing US physicians are susceptible to feelings other than hunger which prompt over‐eating and weight gain. Limitations include study of a single, specific sample of physicians, and an exclusive focus on food and nutrition. Future research may wish to include measures of fitness and exercise.

Originality/value

Physicians are susceptible to predictable, particular feelings other than hunger which prompt over‐eating and overweight. Physician ability to respond to these feelings and to ameliorate the stresses and factors associated with them may help improve physician overweight and, in turn, physician ability to facilitate patient weight loss.

Citation

La Puma, J., Szapary, P. and Maki, K.C. (2005), "Predictors of physician overweight and obesity in the USA: an empiric analysis", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 35 No. 5, pp. 315-319. https://doi.org/10.1108/00346650510625502