Obesity is now one of the most important public health issues in Saudi Arabia, with 74.2% of women and 69% of men found to be overweight or obese, but there is limited research into the nature and effectiveness of overweight and obesity management in primary care in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere. International literature supports the role of primary health care in managing obesity through evidence-based interventions, yet also notes many barriers to health professionals helping patients achieve

more »

... ificant weight loss. A new collaborative and patient-centred approach to primary care management of chronic disease, Fit and Minimally Disruptive Medicine, appears potentially well-suited to helping patients manage their weight. Research Aims: This thesis aimed to determine health professionals' and patients' views on the appropriateness and quality of current obesity management practices in primary health care in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia., and also their views on the acceptability, utility and applicability of Fit and Minimally Disruptive Medicine to assist successful weight management. Research Methods: Preliminary informal interviews were held with representatives of key groups in primary health care in Riyadh, four senior primary health care officials, 10 primary health care centre managers, 20 doctors, 20 nurses and 20 patients from 10 primary health care centres. The main investigation used the interview material to develop two structured questionnaire surveys for a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study on the management of overweight and obesity in primary health care. The first questionnaire, for doctors and nurses, addressed primary health care centre resources and services, use of weight loss strategies, and the health professionals' views on overweight and obese patients, obesity management and the Fit and Minimally Disruptive Medicine approach. The second survey, for patients, addressed patients' motivation and readiness to lose weight, support from family and friends, weight loss options used, [...]