Overview

• An international survey of 1,379 physician-patient pairs across seven countries reveals a significant gap in perceptions of obesity causes and treatment goals.
• Physicians predominantly attribute obesity to behavioral factors like overeating (69%) and lack of exercise (61%), with this bias intensifying in severe cases.
• Patients emphasize biological causes such as genetics and metabolic factors (81%), highlighting a disconnect with physicians' views (61%).
• Doctors prioritize clinical outcomes like improving quality of life and reducing blood pressure, while patients focus on psychosocial goals such as boosting confidence and appearance.
• The findings, presented at the European Congress on Obesity, underscore the need for integrated care that addresses both clinical and psychosocial aspects of obesity management.