Experience and expectations of patients on weight loss: The Learning Health System Network Experience

Abstract

Summary Objective Weight perception and degree of confidence in achieving healthy lifestyle can be determinants of engagement in obesity interventions. This study explored patients' perceived need for weight loss and the degree of self‐confidence in ability to lose weight and sought to identify factors associated with patients' self‐confidence in ability to lose weight. Methods The authors analysed data from a survey mailed to primary care patients within five sites of the Learning Health Systems Network that explored participants' prior experience with weight management. Results Among the 2,263 participants who completed the survey section on ‘Patients’ Experience with Weight Management’, perceived need to lose 51 lb or more was statistically significant among those with class III obesity compared with other body mass index (BMI) groups (p value 10 lb were each independently associated with less belief in being able to lose weight. Conclusions Patients had varying perceptions on weight loss; those with category III obesity had the highest desire to lose weight but had the least confidence in ability to lose weight. Higher BMI, female gender and need to lose >10 lb were associated with decreased self‐confidence in ability to lose weight.

Keywords

• Patient expectations
• primary care
• weight loss