ABSTRACT

In our study, we aimed to reveal prevalence of obesity, obesity knowledge and awareness in normal weight and obese patients who applied to the general surgery outpatient clinic for different reasons.

The questionnaire containing 23 yes-no questions, which was previously prepared by researchers, was filled in and answers were received regarding epidemiological risk factors associated with obesity and health problems that may accompany obesity. Patients with body mass index (BMI) <30 were classified as group 1 and those with BMI ≥30 were classified according to their BMIs.

A total of 956 patients were included. The mean height-weight were 167.57±8.93 cm and 71.88±14.34 kg, respectively. The incidence of obesity was determined as 13.2%. Gender (p=0.007), marital status (p<0.0001), age (p=0.02), number of children (p<0.0001), use of alcohol (p=0.028) and smoking (p=0.022) were found statistically significance between groups. 61% (n=51) of the patients thought that obesity is a disease that can be treated surgically (p=0.037). When groups compared there was a statistically significant relationship between patients with obesity in their families and patients with BMI ≥30.

Our study is the first in our country to evaluate the knowledge and awareness level of our society about obesity. Although the awareness of obesity and the diseases it causes are known by the majority of the population (more than >50), it is still not sufficient. We believe that the prevalence can be reduced and the diseases that it can cause can be prevented by giving more information about obesity in the society.

Keywords: Obesity, Awareness, Questionnaire, Obesity Surgery