Obesity is a chronic medical condition that affects 25% of Canadian adults. As we know from the recently released Canadian Report Card On Access to Obesity Treatment, we are doing very poorly in terms of providing publicly funded access to treatment for obesity.
So what are the barriers that are preventing people with obesity from getting access to obesity care? In addition to collecting important statistics in the Canadian Report Card, we also need to understand barriers from the perspectives of people living with obesity as well as their health care providers.
The ACTION study is the first nationwide study in Canada to investigate barriers to effective obesity management from the perspective of people with obesity, healthcare providers, and employers who provide health programs or health insurance coverage. This study aims to generate insights to guide collaborative action to improve care, education, and support for people with obesity, and to provide evidence upon which to change how patients, health care providers, and employers treat obesity.
The ACTION study steering committee (of which I am a member) has been working to construct questionnaires that will be deployed to patients, health care providers, and employers across the country, to gather information on these important topics.
By understanding these perspectives, we hope to improve communication, education, and break down barriers to allow better access and provision of care for people with obesity.
Stay tuned for the results of this study early next year!
Disclaimer: The ACTION study is funded by Novo Nordisk, the maker of anti obesity medication Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0mg).
