More training and resources needed for healthcare professionals to tackle childhood obesity

Researchers from the University of Birmingham find doctors are feeling unable to address the growing problem of childhood obesity due to a lack of training and capacity.

In a paper published in the British Journal of General Practice, the researchers conducted in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals to explore their experiences supporting families to tackle childhood obesity.

Discussions highlighted their frustrations with a lack of time and training to support families, including limited availability for specialist services and lack of access to routinely collected data on children’s weight.  

Healthcare professionals also raised their concerns regarding damaging trust by raising weight issues about children, with many stating they were aware of cultural considerations when bringing up weight.

Miranda Pallan, Professor of Child and Adolescent Public Health in the Institute of Applied Health Research at the University of Birmingham said: “This study brings a fresh awareness about the pressures that healthcare professionals face, including the limitations that they face in trying to provide preventative care for young people. Through the series of interviews with doctors, primary care nurses and school nurses, we have been able to see some clear barriers that prevent effective advice and support for families to tackle the growing epidemic of childhood obesity.

“While we should not expect doctors to be spending lots of time teaching families how to cook healthy, balanced meals, the study does highlight that healthcare professionals need more support and dedicated time to enable them to give practical advice and, in some cases, refer to more specialist services.”