A Survey of Obesity Education and Training in United States Pharmacy Schools

Objective: To assess how obesity is addressed in Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) schools and colleges, identify the extent to which core obesity competencies are covered in the curricula, and identify opportunities for expanding obesity management training.

Methods: An online survey was conducted with PharmD program leaders in the United States. Respondents answered questions regarding obesity education in their pharmacy school curricula. Data were analyzed in aggregate, using descriptive statistics.

Results: We collected responses from 75 of 150 (50%) PharmD programs. One-third (32%) of respondents thought their graduating students were very prepared to discuss obesity pharmacotherapy (anti-obesity medication) options with patients. A total of 45% reported obesity pharmacological treatment was covered to a great extent. Few respondents (19%) were very familiar with anti-obesity medications; 21% thought their students were similarly familiar. No programs covered weight stigma and discrimination to a great extent. Most respondents (88%) believed obesity education was fairly/very important to include in PharmD curricula, and 96% thought it was similarly appropriate to include. But 72% indicated that expanding obesity education was not a priority/low priority. Lack of room in the curricula was cited as the greatest barrier, with 60% of PharmD programs reporting this to be a large barrier.

Conclusion: Pharmacists, as medication experts, are key members of the care team. However, obesity management/pharmacotherapy is not emphasized in most pharmacy schools. Therefore, pharmacists are not well-prepared to provide counseling on medications for obesity. Leveraging guidance on core obesity competencies and available resources could help expand obesity education in pharmacy schools.