Perception of obesity and weight-loss attitudes among adolescents living with obesity, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in Taiwan: Data from the ACTION Teens survey study.

Background: The ACTION Teens study (NCT05013359) surveyed adolescents living with obesity (ALwO), caregivers (CGs) of ALwO, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) of ALwO, to identify behaviors, perceptions, attitudes, and barriers to effective obesity care. The goal was to generate insights to help improve obesity management for ALwO, both globally and locally. Here, we discuss insufficient management of adolescent obesity in Taiwan.

Methods: ACTION Teens was a cross-sectional, online survey study conducted in 2021. Three participant cohorts were recruited: ALwO (aged 12-<18 years with a body mass index ≥95th percentile for age and sex), CGs, and HCPs.

Results: Most ALwO (77 %) and CGs (86 %) were at least somewhat worried about their/their child's weight, but only 57 % of ALwO and 54 % of CGs recognized that they/their child had obesity. Many respondents believed obesity had at least as much impact on overall health/wellbeing as cancer (ALwO: 65 %; CGs: 54 %; HCPs: 36 %). Both ALwO (53 %) and CGs (40 %) indicated that they themselves are responsible for initiating weight discussions with HCPs; among HCPs, this was 17 %. ALwO and CGs were more likely to use social media (ALwO: 28 %; CGs: 62 %) or search engines (ALwO: 27 %; CGs: 72 %) for information about weight management than a doctor (ALwO: 19 %; CGs: 26 %). Barriers to weight loss among ALwO and CGs included inability to control hunger (ALwO: 25 %; CGs: 24 %) and dislike of exercise (ALwO: 22 %; CGs: 24 %). Key motivators for weight loss differed between ALwO ("I want to be healthier" [27 %]), CGs, ("My child wants to fit into smaller clothing" [32 %]), and HCPs ("Improved social life, social interactions, popularity" [84 %]).

Conclusions: This survey identified misalignment regarding obesity and weight management among ALwO, CGs, and HCPs in Taiwan. The results suggest HCPs should proactively initiate weight-loss communication. HCP-patient relationships based on communication and trust are key for weight-loss success.