MDDUS survey highlights challenges GPs face in managing childhood obesity

A new survey has revealed how often GPs see obesity in children and adults, as well as the difficulties family doctors face when raising health concerns about patients’ weight.

More than half of 540 GPs surveyed (56%) have treated obesity in adult patients, while a third (34%) have managed obesity in both adults and children.

Among those who have experience treating children, almost a quarter (23%) reported seeing obesity as a clinical concern in children aged four or under.

A further 26% had seen obesity in children aged five to seven, and 32% in those aged eight to eleven.

The survey was conducted by the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS), who represent 70,000 doctors and dentists across the UK.

Conversations with families remain challenging

Four in five GPs (80%) said it is challenging to discuss a child’s weight and health with parents or guardians. The most common reasons included concerns about causing shame or stigma (74%), parents becoming upset (72%) or angry (47%), and fears about damaging trust with the family (59%).

Discussing weight with adult patients can also be difficult, with 65% of GPs finding these conversations somewhat or very challenging. Many cited patients becoming upset (66%), concerns that patients may avoid future care (45%), and worries about causing shame or stigma (69%).

Concerns about access to GLP‑1 medicines

The survey also explored GP views on the growing use of GLP‑1 medicines for weight loss. While 71% of GPs said they were hopeful these treatments could benefit patients living with obesity, many expressed concerns about how the drugs are accessed privately.

GPs main concerns about patients accessing GLP-1s privately included:

• Patients receiving the medicines without proper consultation or review of medical records (78%)
• A lack of monitoring to ensure patient safety (75%).
• Patients with contraindications being prescribed the drugs (68%).
• Patients obtaining GLP‑1 medicines despite not meeting eligibility criteria (67%)
• People with current or past eating disorders accessing them (62%)
• Limited communication between private providers and NHS practices (57%)

Over half (58%) said the volume of requests from private providers created additional workload pressures.

Impact on the NHS

Almost all GPs surveyed (92%) believe obesity will be a defining public health challenge during their medical careers. Seven in ten (71%) said obesity already has a significant impact on the NHS’s ability to deliver effective care.

Despite concerns about private access, 59% of GPs agreed that GLP‑1 medicines could reduce long‑term healthcare costs if used appropriately.

Commentary from MDDUS’ chief medical officer

Dr John Holden, Chief Medical Officer at MDDUS, said: “These findings are an alarming confirmation of the growing crisis of childhood obesity across the country and the very real difficulties this creates in everyday GP consultations.

“Family doctors understand that childhood obesity is rarely about individual choices alone. It is often linked to poverty, food insecurity and limited opportunities for children to be active, and GPs approach these conversations with care and empathy for families under pressure.

“But raising concerns about a child who may be dangerously overweight can be one of the hardest discussions a GP has. When parents feel judged or blamed, conversations can quickly become emotionally charged and, as our members tell us, can lead to complaints from distressed or angry parents.

“For many children, contact with the NHS through their GP should be an opportunity for early support and change. Yet without the time and resources to handle these sensitive discussions well, that opportunity can be lost, to the frustration of doctors and the long term detriment of the child’s health.”

The findings are based on a survey of 540 UK GPs conducted by MDDUS. Respondents were asked about their clinical experience managing obesity, their views on discussing weight with patients, and their perspectives on the use of GLP‑1 medicines.

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This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.