Scientists from Oxford University said that general practitioners give bad advice to overweight patients.
The researchers listened to 159 audio recordings that were made during consultations of obese patients with general practitioners. Receptions were held in Britain from 2013 to 2014.
Experts noted that medical consultations were of a general nature and patients rarely received really effective advice on how to lose weight. Basically, it all came down to the fact that the doctor recommended eating less and moving more. However, in 97% of cases, the patient's lifestyle and his history of struggle with excess kilograms were not taken into account.
And in those rare moments when doctors gave specific recommendations, these tips were not scientifically backed up, and hardly led to a real weight loss.
For example, the advice to climb stairs more often on foot will not lead to significant weight loss, the researchers note. This myth is common in the literature, but is not supported by scientific practice.
Scientists have concluded that doctors need clearer instructions on how to talk to patients who are overweight.
The study is published in the journal Family Practice.
