a purposive sample of 13 participants (eight women and fi ve men), aged 30 – 55 years, with BMI above 40, or
BMI above 35 with additional weight-related problems. Two focus-group interviews were conducted, inviting the participants
to speak about their health care experiences from general practice. Analysis applied Systematic Text Condensation
inspired by Giorgi ’ s approach, searching for issues describing or discussing participants ’experiences of GPs ’obesity management.
Results. Obese patients want their GPs to put their weight problems on the agenda. When the patient appears
reluctant, it may be a sign of embarrassment rather than rejection of the issue. However, restricted attention to obesity
could lead to neglect of patients ’problems. Participants complained that GPs often demonstrated insuffi cient engagement
and knowledge regarding service resources for obesity treatment, leaving the responsibility for information on available
referral resources to the patient. Finally, considerate attitudes in the GPs are needed for follow-up to be experienced as
helpful by the patients. Vulnerable feelings of failure could be reinforced by well-intended advice. Degrading attitudes were
perceived as especially subversive when they came from doctors. Conclusions. The challenge for the GP is to increase his
or her competence in individualized and evidence-based counselling, while acknowledging the efforts needed by the patient
to achieve permanent change, and shifting attention from shame to coping.