Background: Overweight and obesity in children (COb) is a global health concern and a predictor of adult obesity and related issues (1). Despite its importance, general practitioners often hesitate to address COb due to various barriers (2). We previously identified gaps in COb knowledge among medical students (3). This study evaluates the current state of COb education in five Australian medical schools and proposes improvements to the curricula.
Method: We performed a literature review, surveyed individuals with lived experiences of obesity, and used a modified Delphi method to gather expert insights to define content to be included in a recommended curriculum. A nominal group technique was employed to derive essential learning outcomes. The medical curricula from five Australian medical schools were reviewed and compared to the recommended curriculum.
Results: Seven key learning outcomes were identified for inclusion in an improved COb curriculum: the impact of COb, the obesogenic environment, risk factors, screening, prevention and management, communication skills, and addressing weight stigma and bias. The curricula review revealed that current curricula include some aspects of COb education but lack critical components necessary for effective prevention and management. Missing elements include communication skills, counselling proficiency, and strategies to overcome barriers to behaviour change.
Discussion and Conclusion: Current medical curricula for COb education were not well aligned with the recommended curriculum. Addressing these gaps is crucial for equipping future practitioners with the necessary skills and knowledge. By presenting evidence of these deficiencies and offering targeted recommendations, we aim to encourage medical schools to adopt these comprehensive learning outcomes, enabling the future medical workforce to prevent, diagnose, and manage overweight and obesity in children more effectively.