MICHIGAN PHYSICIANS PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR ROLE IN MANAGING OBESITY

In a random sample of 211 primary-care physicians in Michigan, about 3 3% (n = 70) perceived their role in the prevention of obesity as coord inating and 39% (n = 82) as cooperative and of equal importance to tha t of other professionals. Perceived barriers to prevention of obesity were inadequate time to educate patients, method of reimbursement. and inadequate training in management of obesity. These results suggest t hat physicians' involvement in managing obesity can improve if they wo rk closely with other health professionals.