The Perception of Medical Students Regarding the Approach to Obesity as a Priority

Obesity is a chronic disease and increasing incidence, studies reveal that treating and preventing seven of the top 10 killer diseases. Although much is published about the theme, there is a degree of ignorance on the part of the medical community about the treatment of obesity and its impact on chronic diseases. The present work investigated the medical student's view of the impact of obesity as a priority when dealing with related comorbidities. A survey was conducted, assessing the medical student's perception of the patient with obesity. Of a total of 377 students, 267 (70.82%) stated that other diseases such as diabetes and hypertension should be prioritized when evaluating the obese patient, while 110 (29.17%) stated that obesity should be prioritized. Based on the outcomes presented, it can be concluded that the perception of medical students regarding obesity approach still shows a predominance opinions that other diseases should be a priority over obesity.