Obesity or being overweight is a problem for millions around the world. But the findings of a new study, the results of which were published a few days ago in the journal “Family Practice”, indicates that in most cases, doctors give patients weight-loss advice that is more abstract than actionable, too vague to be useful, and not supported by Science is always, according to EatingWell.
The prevalence of superficial tips
A team of experts at the University of Oxford in England examined and analyzed 159 audio recordings of consultations between general practitioners and their patients with BMIs within the obesity ranges. It turns out that superficial advice is common, including the directive that a person should “change their lifestyle a bit”. The common tips or instructions included abstract directions, not based on verified scientific evidence, but some of them were wrong advice, as follows:
• Eat less and get more physical activity
• Take the stairs instead of using the elevator
• Watch what you eat
• Reduce carbohydrates
• Use a calorie-tracking app so you can monitor your calories in and calories out
• Do as much exercise as your joints will allow
• Make a gluten-free flour, because it does not contain sugar, while it is completely wrong advice because gluten is ultimately a protein.
prevention before treatment
The Oxford researchers wrote that the results of the analytical study indicate that “doctors often do not provide effective advice, and therefore even if patients follow the advice, they are unlikely to lose weight,” noting that “eat less, do more” is only a backup recommendation that resorts to. to physicians due to lack of other resources. It is certainly understandable why it is difficult to provide more detailed and accurate advice. Because current medical systems center around treatment and disease rather than prevention, little time is devoted within medical school curricula to nutrition and physical activity.
Dietitians
The study findings underscore the importance of consulting with experts who specialize in these areas, such as registered dietitians and physical therapists, rather than general practitioners or non-specialists. The doctor’s advice should also be followed if he has the time to learn about the patient’s habits and other external factors that could affect his quality of life.
“Physicians need [غير المتخصصين في التغذية والعلاج الفيزيائي] To clear guidance on how to productively talk to obese patients about weight loss in order to provide effective assistance to patients who want to lose weight.