A study shows that a quarter of patients have never seen their BMI registered by their GP

A new study presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Glasgow, Scotland (April 28 – May 1) reveals that a quarter of patients have never seen their index of body mbad (BMI) recorded by their general practitioner. The study is being conducted by Kath Williamson and Professor Mike Lean of the Department of Human Nutrition and Dr. Amy Nimegeer of the Institute of Health and Wellness at the University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom. United.

The provision of effective and properly targeted weight management services, including those aimed at the remission of type 2 diabetes, relies on the availability of accurate and up-to-date BMI data. Data from the national survey show that 29% of Scots are considered obese (BMI greater than 30 kg / m2). The framework for quality and outcomes in the United Kingdom * aimed to encourage the registration of BMI by BMI, especially for obese individuals. Despite this need, previous research has shown significant underreporting, with only 37% of British adults having registered their BMI in the last year and 79% having had their BMI ever registered.

The extent of registration and routine documentation of BMI in Scottish primary care has not yet been studied. In this new study, the authors examined the health records of 77,591 adults aged 16 and over from 12 general practices covering a cross-section of the Scottish population that is broadly socio-economically representative. BMI record fields were searched for any BMI record, with particular interest for all measures taken in the previous 2 years.

The researchers found that a BMI had already been registered in 75% of patients, while less than a third (31%) of patients had recently obtained a measure of BMI (less than 2 years old) . Updated BMI registration rates also varied widely from one practice to another, rising from 20% to 42%, although the team noted a clear increased registration rates over the two-year review period.

For those whose BMI had been registered in the previous 2 years, they were divided into the following BMI categories: less than 18.5 (underweight): 2%; 18.5-24.9 (normal weight) 27%; 25-29.9% (overweight) 33%; 30-39.9 (grade I and II obesity) 31%; and 40+ (severe obesity) 7%. In the two highest BMI categories, the figures were higher than the Scottish Health Survey 2017 (26% and 3% respectively), as well as the UK Health Survey 2017 (25%). % and 4% respectively), suggesting that rates of obesity and obesity rates may be higher than expected.

The authors conclude, "More current, comprehensive routine IMC data is needed for accurate planning and the provision of weight management services." Under-reporting may hinder the stated public health goals of early detection and control. Type 2 diabetes intervention. It is important to monitor the quality of electronic health record data given their increasing use as a source in research and to estimate the variation between prevalence rates in the population. real life and national health survey rates. "

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