Lay and practitioner perspectives and experiences of obesity

Causes of obesity are known to be complex and multi-factorial. An increasing prevalence of obesity is of global concern. There is a need to fi nd effective obesity management and public health programmes. This paper draws on data collected as part of a study which focussed on lay and practitioner experiences and perceptions of nutrition information leafl ets in primary care. A qualitative design incorporating focus groups with 57 practitioners based at 7 GP practices and a purposive sample of 30 lay participants attending 6 consumer health organisations within one primary care trust. Focus groups were taped and transcribed verbatim and data were analysed thematically supported by a computer program (N6; QSR, 2007). Obesity and weight management were discussed by both practitioners and lay participants. Practitioner themes included challenges and concerns about effectiveness when delivering advice. Lay participants described personal experiences of seeking help and the lack of trust in medical involvement unless they had a specifi c medical diagnosis. Lay participants also discussed socio-cultural perceptions of the causes of obesity. Findings from this study expose the variance between practitioner and lay experiences, question both the effectiveness of primary care practitioners and their role in obesity management, and highlight the need for training for primary health care staff who are increasingly being asked to provide nutritional advice. In particular the study underlines the importance of having lay involvement in the development of obesity management programmes and public health campaigns if these are to be relevant and meet the needs of patients