Table 2 GPs' approaches to management and treatment of obesity

Excluding secondary forms of obesity

53 (29.1)

55 (30.2)

74 (40.7)

Annual updating of specific anamnesis and documentation of weight, diets, eating habits and physical activity

50 (27.6)

81 (44.8)

50 (27.6)

Consultations together with the spouse or partner

120 (65.6)

57 (31.2)

6 (3.3)

Asking for weight and physical activity of the children

116 (65.2)

46 (25.8)

16 (9.0)

Assessing and treating eating disorders (e.g. bulimia, binge-eating)

35 (19.2)

83 (45.6)

64 (35.2)

Referring the patient to a psychologist or a psychiatrist in case of mental health problems

56 (31.3)

78 (43.6)

45 (25.1)

Waist measurement and documentation

91 (50.0)

54 (29.7)

37 (20.3)

Total cholesterol measurement

5 (2.8)

31 (17.1)

145 (80.1)

HDL and triglyceride measurement

9 (5.0)

31 (17.1)

141 (77.9)

Assessing the basal metabolic rate and total energy to provide a basis for consultation

128 (71.9)

37 (20.8)

13 (7.3)

Making a total-risk-assessment and discussing the related factors with patients in detail

42 (23.3)

59 (32.8)

79 (43.9)

Applying a valid prognostic tool for this assessment

106 (59.2)

32 (17.9)

41 (22.9)

Systematic evaluation of the patients' motivation and consult the patients about measures

18 (10.0)

83 (46.1)

79 (43.9)

Assessing cognitive skills and education level of the patient

28 (15.7)

77 (43.3)

73 (41.0)

Declaring a common goal and time frame with the patient

13 (7.4)

78 (44.3)

85 (48.3)

Keeping involved in the treatment process if the patient was referred to a specialist

39 (22.3)

91 (52.0)

45 (25.7)

Checking and discussing the achievement of the patient in short intervals (3 to 6 weeks)

12 (6.7)

75 (41.9)

92 (51.4)

Following the treatment improvement over several years

39 (21.7)

93 (51.7)

48 (26.7)