Many Obese Adults Don't Get Food Advice From Doctors

Rate This

In 2006, only about half of obese adults in the United States were told by a doctor to reduce their consumption of fatty foods, according to an analysis of national data. That's about the same as in 2002.

The latest News and Numbers from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality also found that only 43 percent of poor obese adults were advised to cut back on high-fat, high-calories foods, compared with 57 percent of obese adults with higher-incomes.

That advice was given to 46 percent of obese adults who didn't finish high school and 53 percent of those with a college education. Obese whites (52 percent) were more likely than obese blacks (45 percent) or Hispanics (42 percent) to receive a doctor's advice on food consumption.

Fatty foods contribute to weight gain and can lead to clogged arteries. Obesity rates are highest among poor adults, those with limited education, and blacks and Hispanics.

The AHRQ summary is based on data from the 2009 National Healthcare Disparities Report.