Table 1 Summary of 31 Likert-scale attitudinal and opinion questions (Adapted from Foster⁶)

I believe it's necessary to educate obese patients on the health risks of obesity

4.81

0.52

Obesity is a chronic disease

4.86

0.43

I make accommodations for obese patients

3.79

0.92

Obesity is associated with serious medical conditions

4.93

0.32

Physicians should be role models by maintaining a normal weight

4.21

0.92

A 10% reduction in body weight is sufficient to significantly improve obesity-related health complications

3.91

0.81

I would spend more time working on weight management issues if my time was reimbursed appropriately

4.01

1.08

I feel competent in prescribing weight loss programs for obese patients

3.71

1.02

Most obese patients are well aware of the health risks of obesity

3.41

1.08

Medications to treat obesity should be limited to short-term (3 months) use

3

1.23

Most obese patients could reach a normal weight (for height) if they were motivated to do so

2.53

1.09

Most obese patients will not lose a significant amount of weight

3.63

1.08

I have negative reactions towards the appearance of obese patients

2.8

1.15

'If a patient meets the appropriate criteria for obesity surgery, I would recommend an evaluation by a surgeon'

4.17

0.85

Medications to treat obesity should be used chronically

2.64

1.24

I am usually successful in helping obese patients lose weight

2.5

1.00

'For most obese patients, long-term maintenance of weight loss is impossible'

2.79

1.05

It is acceptable to use "scare tactics" to obtain compliance of the obese patient

2.59

1.16

I feel uncomfortable when examining an obese patient

1.77

0.92

It is difficult for me to feel empathy for an obese patient

1.81

0.95

The factors below are important causes of obesity:

Physical inactivity

4.62

0.64

Overeating

4.67

0.48

High-fat diet

4.17

0.91

Genetic factors

4.47

0.63

Poor nutritional knowledge

4.23

0.91

Psychological problems

4.12

0.81

Repeated dieting (weight cycling)

3.85

0.89

Restaurant eating

3.85

0.95

Lack of willpower

3.71

0.92

Metabolic defect

3.49

0.99

Endocrine disorder

2.96

1.04