Otyłość – Charakterystyka, pielęgnacja i opieka

Otyłość
Charakterystyka, pielęgnacja i opieka

Otyłość, definiowana jako BMI >30 kg/m², stanowi przewlekłą chorobę o złożonej etiologii obejmującej czynniki genetyczne, metaboliczne i środowiskowe, dotykającą niemal miliard osób globalnie. Choroba ta wiąże się z licznymi powikłaniami, takimi jak choroby sercowo-naczyniowe, cukrzyca, nowotwory oraz schorzenia stawów. Skuteczne zarządzanie otyłością wymaga interdyscyplinarnego podejścia, w którym pielęgniarki odgrywają kluczową rolę poprzez kompleksową ocenę stanu pacjenta, edukację, koordynację opieki oraz wsparcie w modyfikacji stylu życia. Redukcja masy ciała o 5-10% znacząco poprawia stan zdrowia i jakość życia, a leczenie opiera się na czterech filarach: odpowiednim odżywianiu, aktywności fizycznej, modyfikacji zachowań oraz interwencjach medycznych, w tym farmakoterapii i chirurgii bariatrycznej, szczególnie u pacjentów z BMI ≥35 kg/m² z chorobami współistniejącymi lub BMI ≥40 kg/m².

Otyłość – wprowadzenie

Otyłość to złożona, przewlekła choroba charakteryzująca się nadmiernym nagromadzeniem tkanki tłuszczowej w organizmie, które może upośledzać zdrowie. Jest to problem medyczny, który w ciągu ostatnich 50 lat przybrał rozmiary epidemii. Otyłość jest zdefiniowana jako posiadanie wskaźnika masy ciała (BMI) powyżej 30 kg/m², co uznawane jest za niezdrową ilość tłuszczu w organizmie¹². Problem otyłości dotyczy niemal miliarda osób na całym świecie i jest powiązany z wieloma powikłaniami zdrowotnymi, takimi jak choroby układu sercowo-naczyniowego, cukrzyca, nowotwory i schorzenia stawów³⁴.

Otyłość jest uznawana przez Światową Organizację Zdrowia za chorobę. Złożona etiologia obejmuje czynniki genetyczne, biologiczne, metaboliczne i neurobehawioralne. Wpływ mają również uwarunkowania społeczne, ekonomiczne i kulturowe⁵⁶. Choroba ta wymaga wielokierunkowych strategii leczenia i często trwałej opieki przez całe życie. Już 5-10% redukcji masy ciała może znacząco poprawić stan zdrowia, jakość życia oraz zmniejszyć obciążenie ekonomiczne zarówno jednostki, jak i całego społeczeństwa⁷.

Rola pielęgniarki w opiece nad pacjentem z otyłością

Pielęgniarki odgrywają kluczową rolę w zarządzaniu opieką nad pacjentami z otyłością w różnych placówkach opieki zdrowotnej. Ich zaangażowanie obejmuje kompleksową ocenę stanu pacjenta, edukację zdrowotną, koordynację opieki oraz wsparcie pacjentów w ich dążeniu do utraty wagi i poprawy stanu zdrowia⁸⁹.

Diagnostyka pielęgniarska w otyłości

Kompleksowa diagnostyka pielęgniarska stanowi podstawę skutecznego planu opieki dla pacjentów z otyłością. W jej skład wchodzą następujące elementy¹⁰:

Pomiar i monitorowanie wskaźnika BMI oraz obwodu talii
Ocena czynników ryzyka i współistniejących chorób
Analiza nawyków żywieniowych i aktywności fizycznej
Ocena gotowości do zmiany i potencjalnych barier
Identyfikacja czynników psychologicznych i społecznych wpływających na masę ciała

¹¹¹²

Pielęgniarki powinny regularnie oceniać stan skóry pacjentów z otyłością, zwracając szczególną uwagę na miejsca, w których może dochodzić do uszkodzeń, takie jak obszary pod piersiami, pod dolną częścią brzucha, w fałdach pośladkowych oraz na karku¹³. U pacjentów z otyłością istnieje zwiększone ryzyko rozwoju odleżyn, dlatego konsultacja z pielęgniarką specjalizującą się w leczeniu ran może być pomocna w minimalizowaniu tego ryzyka¹⁴.

Diagnozy pielęgniarskie związane z otyłością

Na podstawie kompleksowej oceny stanu pacjenta, pielęgniarki mogą formułować następujące diagnozy pielęgniarskie¹⁵¹⁶:

Zaburzony obraz ciała – wielu pacjentów z otyłością może odczuwać wstyd lub niezadowolenie ze swojego wyglądu fizycznego, co prowadzi do niskiej samooceny i depresji¹⁷. Niezadowolenie z obrazu ciała jest wyższe u osób z otyłością olbrzymią i jest jednym z czynników motywujących do podjęcia leczenia chirurgicznego¹⁸.
Niewłaściwa odżywianie: więcej niż zapotrzebowanie organizmu – jedną z przyczyn otyłości jest nadmierne spożycie żywności, często wysokoenergetycznej, bogatej w tłuszcze i cukry¹⁹.
Nadwaga/Otyłość – opisuje stan, w którym pacjent gromadzi nieprawidłową lub nadmierną ilość tłuszczu w stosunku do wieku i płci²⁰.
Siedzący tryb życia – obok nadmiernego spożycia pokarmów, brak aktywności fizycznej jest głównym czynnikiem przyczyniającym się do otyłości²¹. Siedzący tryb życia zwiększa ryzyko otyłości i innych chorób²².
Ryzyko zespołu zaburzeń metabolicznych – pacjent jest narażony na zwiększone ryzyko wystąpienia zagrażających życiu chorób, takich jak cukrzyca, udar mózgu i choroby serca, z powodu nadmiernego nagromadzenia tkanki tłuszczowej i zaburzeń metabolizmu²³.
Zaburzona mobilność fizyczna – pacjenci z otyłością mogą mieć trudności z samodzielnym i celowym poruszaniem się, co może zwiększać ryzyko dalszego przyrostu masy ciała i utrudniać jej redukcję²⁴.

Interwencje pielęgniarskie w otyłości

Skuteczne interwencje pielęgniarskie w opiece nad pacjentem z otyłością obejmują szereg działań mających na celu wspieranie pacjenta w dążeniu do redukcji masy ciała i poprawy stanu zdrowia²⁵:

Regularna ocena i monitorowanie wagi oraz parametrów życiowych
Edukacja na temat zdrowego odżywiania i aktywności fizycznej
Opracowanie spersonalizowanych planów żywieniowych
Promocja regularnych ćwiczeń
Wsparcie w modyfikacji zachowań
Zapewnienie ciągłego wsparcia i kontroli
Ustalanie osiągalnych celów dotyczących utraty wagi i poprawy zdrowia

²⁶²⁷

Ważnym aspektem opieki pielęgniarskiej jest zapewnienie pełnego szacunku, uprzejmości i empatii w stosunku do pacjentów z otyłością, uwzględniając osobiste uprzedzenia i używając języka stawiającego pacjenta na pierwszym miejscu, aby stworzyć wspierające i nienapiętnujące środowisko²⁸.

Kompleksowe podejście do leczenia otyłości

Leczenie otyłości wymaga kompleksowego podejścia, które uwzględnia nie tylko objawy, ale również całego pacjenta²⁹. Każda osoba z otyłością powinna mieć dostęp do leczenia opartego na dowodach naukowych³⁰.

Filary leczenia otyłości

Kompleksowe leczenie otyłości opiera się na czterech filarach³¹:

Odpowiednie odżywianie – poradnictwo żywieniowe prowadzone przez specjalistów z odpowiednim wykształceniem, pomagające pacjentom w dokonywaniu zdrowych wyborów żywieniowych i kształtowaniu zdrowych nawyków żywieniowych³².
Aktywność fizyczna – łączenie aktywności fizycznej ze zdrową dietą jest kluczową strategią leczenia w zarządzaniu otyłością stopnia 1³³. Ćwiczenia promują utratę wagi poprzez zmniejszenie apetytu, zwiększenie energii, tonizację mięśni oraz poprawę sprawności sercowej i ogólnego samopoczucia³⁴.
Modyfikacja zachowań – intensywna terapia behawioralna (IBT) jest leczeniem ukierunkowanym na złe nawyki żywieniowe i brak aktywności fizycznej, które przyczyniają się do otyłości³⁵. Program modyfikacji zachowań może pomóc pacjentom w dokonaniu zmian w stylu życia w celu utraty wagi i utrzymania jej³⁶.
Postępowanie medyczne – obejmuje farmakoterapię i leczenie chirurgiczne w przypadkach, gdy interwencje związane ze stylem życia nie są wystarczające³⁷.

Farmakoterapia w leczeniu otyłości

Leki przeciw otyłości mogą być przepisywane pacjentom, którzy nie są w stanie osiągnąć celów związanych z utratą wagi wyłącznie poprzez modyfikację stylu życia³⁸. Leki te powinny być stosowane wraz z dietą, ćwiczeniami i zmianami zachowań, a nie zamiast nich³⁹.

Leki przeciw otyłości (AOM) mogą być przepisane przez lekarza, gdy pacjent ma jedno lub więcej łagodnych do umiarkowanych powikłań zdrowotnych związanych z masą ciała⁴⁰. Warto jednak zauważyć, że sukces w utracie wagi po zakończeniu leczenia farmakologicznego często zanika⁴¹.

Leczenie chirurgiczne otyłości

Chirurgia bariatryczna, znana również jako chirurgia metaboliczna, obejmuje kilka rodzajów operacji, które pomagają w utracie wagi poprzez wprowadzenie zmian w układzie pokarmowym⁴². Jest to skuteczna metoda leczenia dla pacjentów z ciężką otyłością, gdy inne metody zawodzą⁴³.

Sukces w utracie wagi po operacji zależy od zaangażowania pacjenta w dokonanie trwałych zmian w nawykach żywieniowych i ruchowych⁴⁴. Należy rozważyć skierowanie do doświadczonego chirurga bariatrycznego w przypadku pacjentów z BMI ≥35 z współistniejącą chorobą związaną z wagą oraz pacjentów z BMI ≥40 niezależnie od współistniejących chorób⁴⁵.

Praktyczne aspekty opieki pielęgniarskiej nad pacjentem z otyłością

Opieka pielęgniarska nad pacjentem z otyłością wymaga uwzględnienia wielu praktycznych aspektów, które mogą wpływać na jakość opieki i bezpieczeństwo pacjenta⁴⁶.

Wyzwania w opiece nad pacjentem z otyłością

Pacjenci z otyłością mogą wymagać specjalnego sprzętu i dostosowanej opieki ze względu na ich rozmiar i wagę⁴⁷. Wyzwania te mogą obejmować⁴⁸:

Problemy ze skórą
Wyzwania oddechowe
Trudności z oceną i resuscytacją
Zmienioną absorpcję leków
Problemy z dostępem dożylnym
Ograniczoną mobilność

⁴⁹⁵⁰

Pielęgnacja skóry u pacjentów z otyłością

Pacjenci z otyłością często mają atypowe odleżyny, ponieważ ucisk w fałdach skórnych jest wystarczający, aby spowodować uszkodzenie skóry⁵¹. Gojenie ran jest problematyczne, ponieważ dopływ krwi do tkanki tłuszczowej jest zwykle upośledzony, co zmniejsza ilość tlenu i składników odżywczych niezbędnych do zapobiegania uszkodzeniom i wspierania gojenia⁵².

U pacjentów z otyłością zwiększone nagromadzenie tkanki tłuszczowej może zmniejszać dopływ krwi, tlenu i składników odżywczych do tkanek obwodowych⁵³. Regularna inspekcja skóry, zwłaszcza w fałdach, takich jak obszary pod piersiami i brzuchem, jest kluczowa dla zapobiegania problemom skórnym⁵⁴.

Wyzwania oddechowe i krążeniowe

Z perspektywy opieki pielęgniarskiej, pacjenci z zespołem hipowentylacji związanym z otyłością (OHS) często lepiej oddychają w pozycji półsiedzącej, ponieważ tłuszcz brzuszny jest oddalony od jamy klatki piersiowej⁵⁵. Istotne jest, aby osoby zajmujące się pacjentem hospitalizowanym były świadome praktyk leczenia stosowanych w domu⁵⁶.

Jeśli konieczne są środki resuscytacyjne i wymagane jest resuscytacja krążeniowo-oddechowa (CPR), można użyć Dopplera do usłyszenia przepływu krwi przez tętnicę szyjną w celu określenia skuteczności uciśnięć⁵⁷.

Wyzwania związane z podawaniem leków i dostępem dożylnym

Nadmiar tkanki tłuszczowej może zmieniać wchłanianie leków, w zależności od konkretnego leku⁵⁸. Dostęp dożylny może być również wyzwaniem u pacjentów z otyłością⁵⁹.

Pielęgniarki powinny rozmawiać z pacjentami o ryzykach i korzyściach związanych z lekami, które mogą powodować przyrost masy ciała. Należy rozważyć alternatywy neutralne lub korzystne dla wagi u pacjentów przyjmujących leki związane z przyrostem masy ciała⁶⁰.

Problemy związane z ograniczoną mobilnością

Większość pacjentów z nadwagą jest narażona na pewne zagrożenia związane z unieruchomieniem. Częste powikłania związane z unieruchomieniem obejmują: uszkodzenie skóry, dekondycjonowanie sercowe, zakrzepicę żył głębokich, zanik mięśni, zastój moczu, zaparcia, problemy z kontrolą bólu i depresję⁶¹.

Zwiększanie aktywności fizycznej i ćwiczeń jest niezbędne do utraty wagi i utrzymania wagi, ale zalecenia muszą być oparte na zdolności pacjenta do wprowadzenia takich zmian⁶².

Edukacja i wsparcie pacjenta z otyłością

Edukacja i wsparcie pacjenta są kluczowymi elementami opieki pielęgniarskiej nad osobami z otyłością⁶³.

Edukacja zdrowotna w zakresie odżywiania i aktywności fizycznej

Pielęgniarki mogą edukować pacjentów w zakresie⁶⁴:

Zdrowego odżywiania i unikania fast foodów
Zachęcania do regularnej aktywności fizycznej
Prowadzenia dziennika żywieniowego
Stopniowego zmniejszania porcji jedzenia
Jedzenia według ustalonego harmonogramu

⁶⁵⁶⁶

Planowanie zmian w diecie może być skomplikowane. Jedzenie jest częścią kultury i interakcji społecznych wszystkich narodów, ras i grup etnicznych. Każda populacja ma własny zestaw norm społecznych związanych z jedzeniem, które będą musiały być uwzględnione⁶⁷.

Wsparcie psychologiczne i motywacyjne

Otyłość może prowadzić do znaczących lub poważnych obciążeń psychologicznych i społecznych⁶⁸. Pielęgniarki mogą zapewnić wsparcie poprzez:

Wzmacnianie samooceny i samoakceptacji pacjenta⁶⁹
Pomoc w identyfikacji barier i znalezieniu motywatorów do zdrowszego odżywiania i ćwiczeń⁷⁰
Prowadzenie odważnych, kompleksowych i pełnych współczucia rozmów z pacjentami o tym, jak ich waga może wpływać na ich ogólny stan zdrowia⁷¹

Życie z otyłością wpływa nie tylko na ciało, ale także na emocje⁷². Ważne jest, aby pacjenci pamiętali, że nie są sami w swojej podróży zdrowotnej⁷³.

Ustalanie realistycznych celów i planowanie leczenia

Ustalanie osiągalnych celów jest kluczowym krokiem w planowaniu. Pacjent może mieć do zrzucenia 45 kg, ale powiedzenie mu, żeby stracił 45 kg, narazi go na porażkę. Bardziej rozsądnym celem byłaby utrata 5-10% aktualnej masy ciała⁷⁴.

Ustalanie celów i planowanie podczas leczenia powinno być wspólną decyzją medyczną. Ostatecznym celem powinna być poprawa zdrowia i jakości życia. Utrata wagi może zmniejszyć, złagodzić lub odwrócić skutki związanych z wagą konsekwencji zdrowotnych, co może zmniejszyć potrzebę stosowania leków i pomóc pacjentom zaoszczędzić na współpłatnościach i wizytach lekarskich⁷⁵.

Interdyscyplinarne podejście do leczenia otyłości

Zarządzanie otyłością najlepiej odbywa się w ramach interdyscyplinarnego zespołu, który może obejmować pielęgniarkę bariatryczną, chirurga, internistę, lekarza podstawowej opieki zdrowotnej, endokrynologa i farmaceutę⁷⁶.

Rola zespołu terapeutycznego

Każdy członek zespołu terapeutycznego wnosi specjalistyczną wiedzę i umiejętności, które przyczyniają się do kompleksowej opieki nad pacjentem z otyłością⁷⁷:

Pielęgniarki – zapewniają codzienną opiekę, edukację i wsparcie
Lekarze – diagnozują, przepisują leki i nadzorują ogólne leczenie
Dietetycy – opracowują spersonalizowane plany żywieniowe
Fizjoterapeuci – projektują programy ćwiczeń dostosowane do indywidualnych potrzeb
Psycholodzy – pomagają w radzeniu sobie z emocjonalnymi aspektami otyłości i zmiany zachowań

⁷⁸⁷⁹

Współpraca między pielęgniarkami a innymi pracownikami służby zdrowia może poprawić wyniki leczenia pacjentów⁸⁰.

Koordynacja opieki i ciągłość leczenia

Pielęgniarki odgrywają kluczową rolę w zapewnieniu dostępu do wysokiej jakości opieki dla pacjentów, w tym pacjentów z nadwagą/otyłością⁸¹. Mogą pomóc w:

Koordynacji opieki między różnymi specjalistami
Zapewnieniu ciągłości leczenia
Monitorowaniu postępów pacjenta
Dostosowywaniu planu leczenia w miarę potrzeb

⁸²⁸³

Ważne jest, aby pielęgniarki uczyły pacjentów o potrzebie odpowiedniej długoterminowej opieki medycznej, w tym badań przesiewowych w kierunku cukrzycy, nadciśnienia i chorób serca⁸⁴.

Szczególne aspekty opieki nad pacjentami z otyłością w różnych grupach wiekowych

Opieka nad dziećmi i młodzieżą z otyłością

Według badań przeprowadzonych przez Centra Kontroli i Zapobiegania Chorobom (CDC), w latach 2017-2020 prawie 20% dzieci w wieku od 2 do 19 lat było otyłych⁸⁵. Pielęgniarki, szczególnie te pracujące jako pielęgniarki rodzinne, pediatryczne i psychiatryczno-psychologiczne, odgrywają jedne z najważniejszych ról w walce z otyłością dziecięcą⁸⁶.

W przypadku dzieci i młodzieży, dostosowane komunikaty powinny podkreślać znaczenie regularnej aktywności fizycznej wraz z odpowiednio zbilansowaną dietą, tak aby wzrost nie był zaburzony⁸⁷. Podstawowymi zasadami postępowania są⁸⁸:

Modyfikowanie diety
Zwiększanie odpowiedniej aktywności fizycznej i ćwiczeń
Zmniejszanie czasu spędzanego na zajęciach siedzących, np. oglądaniu telewizji
Modyfikowanie zachowań

Opieka nad osobami starszymi z otyłością

Otyłość u osób starszych wymaga specjalnego podejścia, uwzględniającego ich odmienną fizjologię i potrzeby medyczne⁸⁹. Starsze osoby z otyłością mają prawo do otrzymania opieki, która odzwierciedla ich różną fizjologię i potrzeby medyczne⁹⁰.

Towarzystwo Gerontologiczne Ameryki (GSA) opracowało narzędzie KAER (Kickstart, Assess, Evaluate, Refer – Rozpocznij, Oceń, Ewaluuj, Skieruj) dla zarządzania otyłością u osób starszych, które ma na celu wspieranie zespołów podstawowej opieki zdrowotnej, które dążą do wdrożenia kompleksowego podejścia, aby pomóc starszym osobom z nadwagą i otyłością rozpoznać i zadbać o swój stan⁹¹.

Opieka nad kobietami w ciąży z otyłością

Kobiety z otyłością mają zwiększone ryzyko powikłań matczynych i okołoporodowych⁹². Do 25% wszystkich powikłań ciąży, takich jak cukrzyca ciążowa, stan przedrzucawkowy, nadciśnienie ciążowe i poród przedwczesny, może być związanych z otyłością matki⁹³.

Gdy kobieta jest w ciąży, istnieją dodatkowe zagrożenia związane z otyłością⁹⁴:

Kobiety z otyłością mają znacznie zwiększone ryzyko utraty ciąży we wczesnym okresie⁹⁵
Cukrzyca ciążowa, czyli cukrzyca, która pojawia się podczas ciąży, występuje 3-4 razy częściej u kobiet z otyłością⁹⁶
Otyłość jest również czynnikiem ryzyka nadciśnienia ciążowego i stanu przedrzucawkowego⁹⁷
Przedwczesny poród jest również zagrożeniem związanym z otyłością⁹⁸

Podczas porodu i okresu poporodowego, otyłość może przyczyniać się do dłuższej indukcji porodu, dłuższego porodu i zwiększonego odsetka cięć cesarskich⁹⁹. Kobiety z otyłością są również bardziej narażone na urodzenie makrosomicznego dziecka, które definiuje się jako noworodka ważącego ponad 4000 gramów¹⁰⁰.

Po porodzie kobiety z otyłością mają zwiększone ryzyko zapalenia błony śluzowej macicy, rozejścia się rany po cięciu cesarskim i zakrzepicy żylnej¹⁰¹. Kobiety po porodzie z otyłością są również bardziej narażone na infekcje i depresję poporodową¹⁰².

Wyzwania i bariery w leczeniu otyłości

Stigmatyzacja i uprzedzenia

Piętno związane z wagą jest szkodliwe i długotrwałe, przyczyniając się do cierpienia emocjonalnego, złego stanu fizycznego i obniżonej jakości życia. Problem ten rozciąga się na placówki opieki zdrowotnej, gdzie uprzedzenia związane z wagą są obecne i tworzą bariery dla skutecznej opieki nad pacjentem¹⁰³.

Nasze społeczeństwo może być wrogie wobec osób z wysoką wagą, które powszechnie spotykają się z osądem, uprzedzeniami i niesprawiedliwym traktowaniem w codziennym życiu, w tym w placówkach opieki zdrowotnej¹⁰⁴.

Pielęgniarki mają możliwość rozpoznawania i przeciwdziałania wpływom nierówności zdrowotnych na dostęp do wysokiej jakości opieki i leczenia otyłości, aby zapewnić wszystkim pacjentom równe szanse na osiągnięcie optymalnego zdrowia¹⁰⁵. Mają również możliwość zajęcia się osobistymi, instytucjonalnymi i społecznymi uprzedzeniami dotyczącymi nadwagi/otyłości, aby pomóc w przerwaniu cyklu wywoływanych stresem niezdrowych zachowań¹⁰⁶.

Bariery systemowe i ekonomiczne

Pomimo potrzeby pielęgniarek podstawowej opieki zdrowotnej w zakresie zarządzania otyłością, badania wskazują, że mają one tendencję do unikania rozmów na temat wagi. Jedno badanie wykazało, że tylko 42% osób z otyłością przypomniało sobie, że pielęgniarka lub lekarz poruszyli ten temat¹⁰⁷.

Leczenie otyłości może być kosztowne¹⁰⁸. Według raportu Medicaid Obesity Treatment Coverage 2024 opracowanego przez STOP Obesity Alliance, żaden stan nie pokrywał w pełni wszystkich czterech filarów leczenia otyłości¹⁰⁹.

Medicare nie może pokrywać kosztów leków przeciwko otyłości (AOM) na mocy prawa federalnego z powodu dawnych obaw dotyczących bezpieczeństwa związanych z Fen-phen¹¹⁰. Ustawa o przystępnej cenie opieki zdrowotnej z 2010 roku rozszerzyła zakres ubezpieczenia przez rządowych i komercyjnych ubezpieczycieli, aby zmniejszyć koszty chirurgii otyłości, ale nadal nie uwzględnia AOM¹¹¹.

Strategie przezwyciężania barier

Istnieje kilka strategii, które pielęgniarki mogą stosować, aby przezwyciężyć bariery w leczeniu otyłości:

Klinicznie stosowanie strategii takich jak podejście oparte na wspólnym podejmowaniu decyzji i model 5As do omówienia opcji leczenia może ułatwić sformułowanie planu leczenia otyłości¹¹²
Wykorzystanie telemedycyny, podejścia zespołowego i partnerstwa społecznego może zwiększyć dostęp pacjentów do intensywnych interwencji behawioralnych¹¹³
Przeprowadzanie kampanii uświadamiających społeczeństwo o dostępności i zakresie usług związanych z otyłością¹¹⁴

Narodowa Liga Konsumentów i Narodowa Rada ds. Starzenia się współpracowały z liderami zdrowia i specjalistami ds. otyłości w celu ustanowienia zestawu praw, dzięki którym osoby z otyłością będą badane, diagnozowane, doradczo wspierane i skutecznie leczone z powodu nadwagi i otyłości w oparciu o wytyczne dotyczące leczenia medycznego¹¹⁵.

Przyszłość opieki nad pacjentami z otyłością

Innowacje w leczeniu otyłości

Pomimo postępów w zrozumieniu złożoności otyłości i nowszych opcji leczenia, nadal istnieją znaczące luki między badaniami nad otyłością a rzeczywistym wdrażaniem w praktyce klinicznej¹¹⁶.

Pracownicy służby zdrowia i systemy opieki zdrowotnej muszą znaleźć lepsze sposoby na wprowadzenie w życie tego, co wiemy o otyłości, aby więcej osób mogło otrzymać odpowiednie wsparcie i leczenie¹¹⁷.

Zatwierdzenie przez FDA i pokrycie przez ubezpieczenie najnowszych metod leczenia, w tym leków GLP-1, są integralną częścią poprawy dostępu do opieki i wyników dla osób, które najbardziej potrzebują tych terapii¹¹⁸.

Rozwój zawodowy pielęgniarek w zakresie opieki nad pacjentami z otyłością

Potrzebne są dalsze badania, aby określić, czy bariery związane z zarządzaniem otyłością przez pielęgniarki wymagają dodatkowej edukacji lub przygotowania (przed i/lub po ukończeniu studiów), aby zapewnić wysoką jakość opieki dla dorosłych żyjących z otyłością i związanymi z nią fizycznymi i psychicznymi współchorobowościami¹¹⁹.

Uniwersytet w Galway oferuje program magisterski dla pielęgniarek, który zapewnia szerokie i kompleksowe curriculum, które jest istotne klinicznie i ma również silne podstawy teoretyczne. Program ten ma na celu przygotowanie pielęgniarek do przyczynienia się do praktyki pielęgniarstwa otyłościowego¹²⁰.

Istota pielęgniarstwa bariatrycznego polega na zapewnieniu zindywidualizowanej opieki dotkniętym pacjentom. Wieloaspektowy charakter pielęgniarstwa bariatrycznego w warunkach opieki klinicznej obejmuje całe spektrum opieki, od profilaktyki po diagnozę i leczenie, a także zarządzanie chorobami przewlekłymi¹²¹.

Kierunki przyszłych badań i praktyki

Zaleca się prowadzenie większej liczby badań pielęgniarskich dotyczących otyłości i jej związku z konkretnymi problemami opieki, w tym większych próbek¹²².

Przyszłe badania powinny ocenić inne efektywne kosztowo metody wdrażania opieki nad otyłością w placówkach podstawowej opieki zdrowotnej¹²³.

Kompleksowe podejście do opieki nad otyłością powinno obejmować strategie opieki nad pacjentem oparte na dowodach, innowacyjne rozwiązania technologiczne, lepszą politykę publiczną, zwiększoną współpracę i edukację dla pracowników służby zdrowia oraz więcej danych na temat efektywności kosztowej profilaktyki i leczenia otyłości¹²⁴.

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

Materiały źródłowe

#1 Obesity (Nursing) – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568702/
Obesity is the excessive or abnormal accumulation of fat or adipose tissue in the body that may impair health. Obesity has become an epidemic which has worsened for the last 50 years. […] Obesity needs multiprong treatment strategies and may require lifelong treatment. A 5% to 10% weight loss can significantly improve health, quality of life, and economic burden of an individual and a country as a whole. […] Describe the role of the nurse in the management of an obese patient. […] Nursing Management: Review risk factors for obesity in the patient, encourage healthy eating, encourage exercise, educate patients about the harms of obesity, enhance self-care and self-esteem, develop a food diary, avoid fast foods, be realistic about weight loss, eat at scheduled times, slowly cut down on food portions, use weight loss drugs with caution, consider surgery if medical methods fail to help you lose weight, consult with a dietitian about a healthy diet. […] The management of obesity is best done with a multidisciplinary team that includes a bariatric nurse, surgeon, internist, primary care provider, endocrinologist, and a pharmacist. […] The key is to educate the patient on the importance of changes in lifestyle.
#2 Obesity: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans | NurseTogether
https://www.nursetogether.com/obesity-nursing-diagnosis-care-plan/
Obesity is excessive body fat that presents a health risk. A body mass index (BMI) over 30 is considered obese. Obesity is a growing problem in nearly every country in the world. […] Obesity is linked to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and joint disorders. Childhood obesity, which continues to rise, is associated with a higher risk of premature death and disability in adulthood. […] Nurses can support patients through their weight loss journey by educating on diets, using motivational interviewing to spark behavior change, coordinating with dieticians and recommending resources, and monitoring patients before and after bariatric surgeries. […] Once the nurse identifies nursing diagnoses for obesity, nursing care plans help prioritize assessments and interventions for both short and long-term goals of care.
#3 Obesity is not a life choice and losing weight is not simple
https://www.novonordisk.com/disease-areas/obesity.html
Recognised as a disease by the World Health Organization, obesity is serious, progressive and chronic. It affects nearly one billion people worldwide. […] Obesity puts people at risk of developing other diseases, too, including diabetes, heart and liver diseases, cancers and many more. In addition, individuals living with obesity frequently face stigma, discrimination and mental health problems. […] Our goal is to provide a broad portfolio of innovative and solutions to support the growing number of people with obesity as part of their long-term journey towards better health. […] Continuing to deepen and expand our civil society partnerships to prevent obesity, we seek to understand what interventions work at a local level and scale what we learn to a global level, supporting the crucial work of the many others committed to preventing obesity. […] We have created a Transformational Prevention Unit with a mission to stop the global rise in obesity and reverse the trend. This unit will explore new commercial models and multi-sector collaborations in the search for novel, holistic and personalised obesity solutions.
#4 Obesity: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans | NurseTogether
https://www.nursetogether.com/obesity-nursing-diagnosis-care-plan/
Obesity is excessive body fat that presents a health risk. A body mass index (BMI) over 30 is considered obese. Obesity is a growing problem in nearly every country in the world. […] Obesity is linked to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and joint disorders. Childhood obesity, which continues to rise, is associated with a higher risk of premature death and disability in adulthood. […] Nurses can support patients through their weight loss journey by educating on diets, using motivational interviewing to spark behavior change, coordinating with dieticians and recommending resources, and monitoring patients before and after bariatric surgeries. […] Once the nurse identifies nursing diagnoses for obesity, nursing care plans help prioritize assessments and interventions for both short and long-term goals of care.
#5 Obesity and caring for adult patients in primary care
https://www.myamericannurse.com/caring-for-adult-patients-with-obesity-in-primary-care/
Caring for adult patients with obesity in primary care […] Obesity is a complicated chronic disease with many contributing and interrelated factors that include genetics, biology, metabolism, and neurobehavior. Its also affected by society, the economy, and culture. […] Obesity profoundly impacts morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. […] Health-related consequences of excess body weightheart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some cancerscomprise some of the leading causes of preventable death. Obesity should be treated, similar to other chronic diseases, with expert complex care guided by evidenced-based practice guidelines. Current recommendations include screening all adults for obesity and offering or making referrals for intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions to patients with a body mass index (BMI) 30 kg/m2. However, despite these recommendations and medical and surgical advances, obesity prevalence continues to rise. Evidence-based interventions rarely are used.
#6 Home – Nurses Obesity Network
https://nursesobesitynetwork.org/
Nurses Inspiring the Nation through Obesity Care. The Nurses Obesity Network is a diverse group of nursing organizations committed to changing the way we view, treat, and advance care for people living with obesity including members of our own nursing profession. […] Obesity is a chronic disease which requires more than one approach to weight management and treatment. […] Collectively, we will become role models for wellbeing, champions for change, and advocates for better obesity care and treatment. […] Have comprehensive, courageous and compassionate conversations with patients about how their weight may be affecting their overall health. […] Obesity is a complex chronic disease in which abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat impairs health. […] We still have a long way to go in recognizing and treating obesity as a chronic disease with significant health inequities. Become advocates for change.
#7 Obesity (Nursing) – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568702/
Obesity is the excessive or abnormal accumulation of fat or adipose tissue in the body that may impair health. Obesity has become an epidemic which has worsened for the last 50 years. […] Obesity needs multiprong treatment strategies and may require lifelong treatment. A 5% to 10% weight loss can significantly improve health, quality of life, and economic burden of an individual and a country as a whole. […] Describe the role of the nurse in the management of an obese patient. […] Nursing Management: Review risk factors for obesity in the patient, encourage healthy eating, encourage exercise, educate patients about the harms of obesity, enhance self-care and self-esteem, develop a food diary, avoid fast foods, be realistic about weight loss, eat at scheduled times, slowly cut down on food portions, use weight loss drugs with caution, consider surgery if medical methods fail to help you lose weight, consult with a dietitian about a healthy diet. […] The management of obesity is best done with a multidisciplinary team that includes a bariatric nurse, surgeon, internist, primary care provider, endocrinologist, and a pharmacist. […] The key is to educate the patient on the importance of changes in lifestyle.
#8 Obesity: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans | NurseTogether
https://www.nursetogether.com/obesity-nursing-diagnosis-care-plan/
Obesity is excessive body fat that presents a health risk. A body mass index (BMI) over 30 is considered obese. Obesity is a growing problem in nearly every country in the world. […] Obesity is linked to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and joint disorders. Childhood obesity, which continues to rise, is associated with a higher risk of premature death and disability in adulthood. […] Nurses can support patients through their weight loss journey by educating on diets, using motivational interviewing to spark behavior change, coordinating with dieticians and recommending resources, and monitoring patients before and after bariatric surgeries. […] Once the nurse identifies nursing diagnoses for obesity, nursing care plans help prioritize assessments and interventions for both short and long-term goals of care.
#9 The Role of Nurses in Supporting Patients with Obesity – PCNA
https://pcna.net/news/the-role-of-nurses-in-supporting-patients-with-obesity/
Obesity is a chronic disease that affects more than 80 million people in the USmore than 4 in 10 adults and nearly 2 in 10 children. The disease puts individuals at greater risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, cancer, stroke, heart disease, dyslipidemia, and end-stage renal disease. […] No matter the setting, nurses are well-placed to significantly impact the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with obesity/overweight. Compassionate, supportive care incorporating guideline-directed behavior change strategies and appropriate pharmacotherapy and surgical options allows patients to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and other disorders, decrease the financial burden on the individual and health systems, and improve overall health. […] Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring access to quality care for patients, including those with obesity/overweight.
#10 Nursing Care Plan For Obesity – Made For Medical
https://www.madeformedical.com/nursing-care-plan-for-obesity/
Overall, the nursing care plan for obesity reflects the commitment of nurses to promote health, prevent disease, and improve quality of life for individuals affected by obesity. […] By conducting a comprehensive nursing assessment for obesity, nurses can identify individual risk factors, assess the impact of obesity on health and well-being, and tailor interventions to address the specific needs and preferences of each individual. […] These nursing diagnoses provide a framework for addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals affected by obesity, guiding the development of individualized care plans to promote weight management, improve health outcomes, and reduce the risk of obesity-related complications. […] By implementing these nursing interventions, nurses can support individuals affected by obesity in achieving sustainable weight loss, improving overall health outcomes, and reducing the risk of obesity-related complications.
#11 Obesity and caring for adult patients in primary care
https://www.myamericannurse.com/caring-for-adult-patients-with-obesity-in-primary-care/
Nurses and nurse practitioners have a unique opportunity to recognize patients at risk and skillfully intervene to improve the quality of care provided to those affected by obesity. But first, we have to change the way we think about, talk about, and approach obesity treatment. […] The stigma associated with obesity may cause individuals to avoid routine medical care. A study by Fruh and colleagues shows that healthcare providers spend less time with patients who are affected by overweight or obesity. Nurses can help ensure patients receive age-appropriate screening and access to other preventive medical care. […] Your assessment also should include questions about current physical activity, including frequency, intensity, duration, type, and level of enjoyment. Mobility, equipment needs, access to locations amenable to exercise, and health risks should be discussed.
#12 Obesity: Nursing Diagnosis & Interventions | Nurse.com
https://www.nurse.com/clinical-guides/obesity/?srsltid=AfmBOoqwvuZDbrAVwB_4PtlSw4z7VEyvZLVuFPEMU_nJX0ZTbHW4ZAfn
Obesity management focuses on daily routines and maintenance to help reduce or control body weight. […] Use the nursing process to develop a plan of care for individuals. The nursing assessment (with common findings listed), diagnosis, interventions, expected outcomes, and patient education for individuals with obesity are listed below. […] Assess the individual and develop a plan of care for weight reduction. […] A general approach to losing weight is to develop a diet plan and set realistic goals: […] In addition to diet and exercise treatments, medication and surgery (for severe cases) can be effective. […] After losing weight, weight must be maintained with behavior modification. […] Develop a diet-and-exercise program […] Discuss diagnosis and treatment […] Discuss medications and potentially adverse effects […] Keep a food diary […] Set realistic goals […] Exercise regularly […] Maintain normal body weight.
#13 6 Obesity Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan [2025 Guide] – Nurseslabs
https://nurseslabs.com/obesity-nursing-care-plans/
Body image dissatisfaction is higher in the morbidly obese and is one of the motivating factors to undertake surgery. Pre-operative dissatisfaction with appearance has been linked to low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety and there is evidence that the effects of body image dissatisfaction on psychological distress are mediated by emotional eating. […] Provide respectful, courteous, and empathetic care to patients with obesity, addressing personal biases and using patient-first language to dispel bias and promote a supportive and non-stigmatizing environment. […] Regularly inspect common and uncommon areas for skin breakdown in patients with obesity, including under the breasts, under the lower abdomen, within gluteal folds, and at the nape of the neck. […] Patients with obesity are particularly vulnerable to developing pressure ulcers, thus consultation with a WOC nurse can be useful to ensure pressure ulcer risks are minimized.
#14 6 Obesity Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan [2025 Guide] – Nurseslabs
https://nurseslabs.com/obesity-nursing-care-plans/
Body image dissatisfaction is higher in the morbidly obese and is one of the motivating factors to undertake surgery. Pre-operative dissatisfaction with appearance has been linked to low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety and there is evidence that the effects of body image dissatisfaction on psychological distress are mediated by emotional eating. […] Provide respectful, courteous, and empathetic care to patients with obesity, addressing personal biases and using patient-first language to dispel bias and promote a supportive and non-stigmatizing environment. […] Regularly inspect common and uncommon areas for skin breakdown in patients with obesity, including under the breasts, under the lower abdomen, within gluteal folds, and at the nape of the neck. […] Patients with obesity are particularly vulnerable to developing pressure ulcers, thus consultation with a WOC nurse can be useful to ensure pressure ulcer risks are minimized.
#15 Obesity: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans | NurseTogether
https://www.nursetogether.com/obesity-nursing-diagnosis-care-plan/
Obesity can cause patients to feel ashamed or unhappy with their physical appearance resulting in low self-esteem and depression. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Disturbed Body Image […] Nursing Diagnosis: Imbalanced Nutrition […] One cause of obesity is the overconsumption of food, often high-calorie food such as fats and sugar. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Overweight […] Describes a condition where the patient gains abnormal or excessive fat for age and sex. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle […] Along with the overconsumption of food, a lack of exercise is a major contributor to obesity. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Metabolic Imbalance Syndrome […] The patient is at increased risk of experiencing severe life-threatening diseases such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease due to excessive buildup of adipose tissue and disruption in metabolism.
#16 Obesity Nursing Care Plans – RNpedia
https://www.rnpedia.com/nursing-notes/medical-surgical-nursing-notes/obesity-nursing-care-plans/
Obesity is a complex disorder involving an excess accumulation of body fat at least 20% over average desired weight for age, sex, and height or a body mass index of greater than 27.8 for men and greater than 27.3 for women. Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It increases your risk of diseases and health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. […] Obesity occurs over time when you eat more calories than you use. The balance between calories-in and calories-out differs for each person. Factors that might affect your weight include your genetic makeup, overeating, eating high-fat foods, and not being physically active. A balance of these four things are very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Imbalanced Nutrition: More Than Body Requirements.
#17 Obesity: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans | NurseTogether
https://www.nursetogether.com/obesity-nursing-diagnosis-care-plan/
Obesity can cause patients to feel ashamed or unhappy with their physical appearance resulting in low self-esteem and depression. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Disturbed Body Image […] Nursing Diagnosis: Imbalanced Nutrition […] One cause of obesity is the overconsumption of food, often high-calorie food such as fats and sugar. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Overweight […] Describes a condition where the patient gains abnormal or excessive fat for age and sex. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle […] Along with the overconsumption of food, a lack of exercise is a major contributor to obesity. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Metabolic Imbalance Syndrome […] The patient is at increased risk of experiencing severe life-threatening diseases such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease due to excessive buildup of adipose tissue and disruption in metabolism.
#18 6 Obesity Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan [2025 Guide] – Nurseslabs
https://nurseslabs.com/obesity-nursing-care-plans/
Body image dissatisfaction is higher in the morbidly obese and is one of the motivating factors to undertake surgery. Pre-operative dissatisfaction with appearance has been linked to low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety and there is evidence that the effects of body image dissatisfaction on psychological distress are mediated by emotional eating. […] Provide respectful, courteous, and empathetic care to patients with obesity, addressing personal biases and using patient-first language to dispel bias and promote a supportive and non-stigmatizing environment. […] Regularly inspect common and uncommon areas for skin breakdown in patients with obesity, including under the breasts, under the lower abdomen, within gluteal folds, and at the nape of the neck. […] Patients with obesity are particularly vulnerable to developing pressure ulcers, thus consultation with a WOC nurse can be useful to ensure pressure ulcer risks are minimized.
#19 Obesity: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans | NurseTogether
https://www.nursetogether.com/obesity-nursing-diagnosis-care-plan/
Obesity can cause patients to feel ashamed or unhappy with their physical appearance resulting in low self-esteem and depression. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Disturbed Body Image […] Nursing Diagnosis: Imbalanced Nutrition […] One cause of obesity is the overconsumption of food, often high-calorie food such as fats and sugar. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Overweight […] Describes a condition where the patient gains abnormal or excessive fat for age and sex. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle […] Along with the overconsumption of food, a lack of exercise is a major contributor to obesity. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Metabolic Imbalance Syndrome […] The patient is at increased risk of experiencing severe life-threatening diseases such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease due to excessive buildup of adipose tissue and disruption in metabolism.
#20 Obesity: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans | NurseTogether
https://www.nursetogether.com/obesity-nursing-diagnosis-care-plan/
Obesity can cause patients to feel ashamed or unhappy with their physical appearance resulting in low self-esteem and depression. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Disturbed Body Image […] Nursing Diagnosis: Imbalanced Nutrition […] One cause of obesity is the overconsumption of food, often high-calorie food such as fats and sugar. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Overweight […] Describes a condition where the patient gains abnormal or excessive fat for age and sex. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle […] Along with the overconsumption of food, a lack of exercise is a major contributor to obesity. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Metabolic Imbalance Syndrome […] The patient is at increased risk of experiencing severe life-threatening diseases such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease due to excessive buildup of adipose tissue and disruption in metabolism.
#21 Obesity: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans | NurseTogether
https://www.nursetogether.com/obesity-nursing-diagnosis-care-plan/
Obesity can cause patients to feel ashamed or unhappy with their physical appearance resulting in low self-esteem and depression. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Disturbed Body Image […] Nursing Diagnosis: Imbalanced Nutrition […] One cause of obesity is the overconsumption of food, often high-calorie food such as fats and sugar. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Overweight […] Describes a condition where the patient gains abnormal or excessive fat for age and sex. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle […] Along with the overconsumption of food, a lack of exercise is a major contributor to obesity. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Metabolic Imbalance Syndrome […] The patient is at increased risk of experiencing severe life-threatening diseases such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease due to excessive buildup of adipose tissue and disruption in metabolism.
#22 Obesity | 6 Nursing Diagnosis, Care Plans, & More – Nursing Student Assistance
https://allnurses.com/obesity-nursing-diagnosis-care-plans-t750278/
For some patients, behavioral changes alone won’t be enough to treat obesity. In these situations, the patient might require medications or surgery. However, both treatment modalities have potentially serious risks, so this treatment regimen is usually reserved for severe cases only. […] Here are six obesity nursing diagnoses. […] Overeating isn’t the only reason people gain weight. Many people eat average amounts of food but gain weight because of the kinds of foods they consume. A healthy diet must consist of the right types and amounts of food combined with a healthy exercise regimen. […] A sedentary life increases individuals’ risk of obesity and other health conditions. […] Obesity often comes with significant or severe psychological and social burdens. […] Some patients may not fully understand the risks of being obese. Nurses help bridge the knowledge gap by educating the patient and giving them all the needed information to make informed decisions.
#23 Obesity: Nursing Diagnoses & Care Plans | NurseTogether
https://www.nursetogether.com/obesity-nursing-diagnosis-care-plan/
Obesity can cause patients to feel ashamed or unhappy with their physical appearance resulting in low self-esteem and depression. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Disturbed Body Image […] Nursing Diagnosis: Imbalanced Nutrition […] One cause of obesity is the overconsumption of food, often high-calorie food such as fats and sugar. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Overweight […] Describes a condition where the patient gains abnormal or excessive fat for age and sex. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Sedentary Lifestyle […] Along with the overconsumption of food, a lack of exercise is a major contributor to obesity. […] Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Metabolic Imbalance Syndrome […] The patient is at increased risk of experiencing severe life-threatening diseases such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease due to excessive buildup of adipose tissue and disruption in metabolism.
#24 Obesity | 6 Nursing Diagnosis, Care Plans, & More – Nursing Student Assistance
https://allnurses.com/obesity-nursing-diagnosis-care-plans-t750278/
Patients living with obesity may struggle to make independent and purposeful physical movements. This limitation can place them at a higher risk of continued weight gain, making losing weight more challenging. Therefore, the nurse must address this problem with practical ways the patient can increase physical mobility, even if it’s small incremental changes. […] Nurses can make a difference in the lives of patients living with obesity by providing education, setting realistic goals, and helping them develop healthy behaviors. With proper care and support, patients can set realistic weight loss, exercise, and diet goals that they can achieve.
#25 6 Obesity Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan [2025 Guide] – Nurseslabs
https://nurseslabs.com/obesity-nursing-care-plans/
Use this nursing care plan and management guide to help care for patients with obesity. Enhance your understanding of nursing assessment, interventions, goals, and nursing diagnosis, all specifically tailored to address the unique needs of individuals facing obesity. This guide equips you with the necessary information to provide effective and specialized care to patients dealing with obesity. […] Treatment of obesity starts with comprehensive lifestyle management including diet, physical activity, and behavior modification. […] The following are the nursing priorities for patients with obesity. […] For patients with obesity, nursing interventions aim to assess and monitor their weight and vital signs, provide education on healthy eating habits and physical activity, develop personalized meal plans, promote regular exercise, support behavior modification, offer ongoing support and follow-up, and set achievable goals for weight loss and improved health outcomes. The goal is to assist patients in achieving sustainable weight loss or weight management, improving overall health, and reducing the risk of obesity-related complications.
#26 6 Obesity Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan [2025 Guide] – Nurseslabs
https://nurseslabs.com/obesity-nursing-care-plans/
Use this nursing care plan and management guide to help care for patients with obesity. Enhance your understanding of nursing assessment, interventions, goals, and nursing diagnosis, all specifically tailored to address the unique needs of individuals facing obesity. This guide equips you with the necessary information to provide effective and specialized care to patients dealing with obesity. […] Treatment of obesity starts with comprehensive lifestyle management including diet, physical activity, and behavior modification. […] The following are the nursing priorities for patients with obesity. […] For patients with obesity, nursing interventions aim to assess and monitor their weight and vital signs, provide education on healthy eating habits and physical activity, develop personalized meal plans, promote regular exercise, support behavior modification, offer ongoing support and follow-up, and set achievable goals for weight loss and improved health outcomes. The goal is to assist patients in achieving sustainable weight loss or weight management, improving overall health, and reducing the risk of obesity-related complications.
#27 Understand 5 Obesity Nursing Care Plans & Diagnosis
https://vervecollege.edu/nursing-care-plan-for-obesity/
Obesity nursing interventions for obese patients want to assess vital signs, monitor, and educate them on healthy eating habits and physical activity, create individualized menus, encourage regular physical activity at a good level, support behavioral modification, provide ongoing support, and follow up in clinical settings in long-term care facilities. […] It is essential to help patients with the clinical skills of a professional nurse to achieve sustainable weight loss, improve their overall health, and reduce the risk of problems caused by obesity and chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, and heart disease in health care facilities. […] It is becoming more common to recognize obesity as a factor in nutrient deficiencies. […] Body perception unhappiness in morbidly obese people is more significant and one of the reasons for undergoing surgery.
#28 6 Obesity Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan [2025 Guide] – Nurseslabs
https://nurseslabs.com/obesity-nursing-care-plans/
Body image dissatisfaction is higher in the morbidly obese and is one of the motivating factors to undertake surgery. Pre-operative dissatisfaction with appearance has been linked to low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety and there is evidence that the effects of body image dissatisfaction on psychological distress are mediated by emotional eating. […] Provide respectful, courteous, and empathetic care to patients with obesity, addressing personal biases and using patient-first language to dispel bias and promote a supportive and non-stigmatizing environment. […] Regularly inspect common and uncommon areas for skin breakdown in patients with obesity, including under the breasts, under the lower abdomen, within gluteal folds, and at the nape of the neck. […] Patients with obesity are particularly vulnerable to developing pressure ulcers, thus consultation with a WOC nurse can be useful to ensure pressure ulcer risks are minimized.
#29 The Four Pillars of Obesity Treatment | Obesity Medicine Association
https://obesitymedicine.org/about/four-pillars/
The OMA endorses a comprehensive, scientific, and individualized approach when treating obesity, which helps patients achieve their health and weight goals. […] A comprehensive care model for obesity treatment acknowledges the importance of treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. […] Every person with obesity should have access to evidence-based treatment.
#30 The Four Pillars of Obesity Treatment | Obesity Medicine Association
https://obesitymedicine.org/about/four-pillars/
The OMA endorses a comprehensive, scientific, and individualized approach when treating obesity, which helps patients achieve their health and weight goals. […] A comprehensive care model for obesity treatment acknowledges the importance of treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. […] Every person with obesity should have access to evidence-based treatment.
#31 Why Obesity Care Is Out of Reach for Many Older Adults
https://www.ncoa.org/article/older-adults-want-comprehensive-obesity-care/
Obesity is the most prevalent and costly chronic disease in the United States, remaining largely undiagnosed and untreated a decade after the American Medical Association classified it as a serious disease requiring comprehensive care. […] Comprehensive obesity treatment includes nutrition, physical activity, behavior modification, and medical management. […] The four pillars of obesity care are healthful nutrition, physical activity, behavioral modification, and medical management. […] Nutrition counseling is a process by which a health professional with special training in nutrition helps people make healthy food choices and form healthy eating habits. […] Combining physical activity with a healthy diet is a key treatment strategy to manage stage 1 obesity. […] Intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) is a treatment that targets poor eating habits and lack of physical activity which contribute to obesity.
#32 Why Obesity Care Is Out of Reach for Many Older Adults
https://www.ncoa.org/article/older-adults-want-comprehensive-obesity-care/
Obesity is the most prevalent and costly chronic disease in the United States, remaining largely undiagnosed and untreated a decade after the American Medical Association classified it as a serious disease requiring comprehensive care. […] Comprehensive obesity treatment includes nutrition, physical activity, behavior modification, and medical management. […] The four pillars of obesity care are healthful nutrition, physical activity, behavioral modification, and medical management. […] Nutrition counseling is a process by which a health professional with special training in nutrition helps people make healthy food choices and form healthy eating habits. […] Combining physical activity with a healthy diet is a key treatment strategy to manage stage 1 obesity. […] Intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) is a treatment that targets poor eating habits and lack of physical activity which contribute to obesity.
#33 Why Obesity Care Is Out of Reach for Many Older Adults
https://www.ncoa.org/article/older-adults-want-comprehensive-obesity-care/
Obesity is the most prevalent and costly chronic disease in the United States, remaining largely undiagnosed and untreated a decade after the American Medical Association classified it as a serious disease requiring comprehensive care. […] Comprehensive obesity treatment includes nutrition, physical activity, behavior modification, and medical management. […] The four pillars of obesity care are healthful nutrition, physical activity, behavioral modification, and medical management. […] Nutrition counseling is a process by which a health professional with special training in nutrition helps people make healthy food choices and form healthy eating habits. […] Combining physical activity with a healthy diet is a key treatment strategy to manage stage 1 obesity. […] Intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) is a treatment that targets poor eating habits and lack of physical activity which contribute to obesity.
#34 6 Obesity Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan [2025 Guide] – Nurseslabs
https://nurseslabs.com/obesity-nursing-care-plans/
In todays Western societies, the idealized body is slender. Additionally, being obese is often accompanied by weight-related stigmatization and social exclusion. […] Exercise promotes weight loss by reducing appetite, increasing energy, toning muscles, and enhancing cardiac fitness and a sense of well-being and accomplishment. […] The obesity epidemic is continuing to worsen and has become a public health issue. The management and prevention of obesity are best done with an interprofessional team. The key is to educate the client on the importance of changes in lifestyle. […] Antiobesity medications may be prescribed for patients who are unable to achieve weight loss goals through lifestyle modifications alone.
#35 Why Obesity Care Is Out of Reach for Many Older Adults
https://www.ncoa.org/article/older-adults-want-comprehensive-obesity-care/
Obesity is the most prevalent and costly chronic disease in the United States, remaining largely undiagnosed and untreated a decade after the American Medical Association classified it as a serious disease requiring comprehensive care. […] Comprehensive obesity treatment includes nutrition, physical activity, behavior modification, and medical management. […] The four pillars of obesity care are healthful nutrition, physical activity, behavioral modification, and medical management. […] Nutrition counseling is a process by which a health professional with special training in nutrition helps people make healthy food choices and form healthy eating habits. […] Combining physical activity with a healthy diet is a key treatment strategy to manage stage 1 obesity. […] Intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) is a treatment that targets poor eating habits and lack of physical activity which contribute to obesity.
#36 Obesity – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375749
Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your obesity-related health concerns. […] The goal of obesity treatment is to reach and stay at a healthy weight. This improves overall health and lowers the risk of developing complications related to obesity. […] You may need to work with a team of health professionals including a dietitian, behavioral counselor or an obesity specialist to help you understand and make changes in your eating and activity habits. […] A behavior modification program can help you make lifestyle changes to lose weight and keep it off. Steps to take include looking at your current habits to find out what factors, stresses or situations may have contributed to your obesity. […] Weight-loss medicines are meant to be used along with diet, exercise and behavior changes, not instead of them.
#37 Essential Care and Coverage for Those Living with Obesity | ANA
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/official-position-statements/id/obesity/
The Nurses Obesity Network supports the full continuum of care and coverage for those living with obesity, including behavioral therapy, medical nutrition therapy, anti-obesity medications, and bariatric surgery, when recommended by an appropriate licensed healthcare professional.
#38 6 Obesity Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan [2025 Guide] – Nurseslabs
https://nurseslabs.com/obesity-nursing-care-plans/
In todays Western societies, the idealized body is slender. Additionally, being obese is often accompanied by weight-related stigmatization and social exclusion. […] Exercise promotes weight loss by reducing appetite, increasing energy, toning muscles, and enhancing cardiac fitness and a sense of well-being and accomplishment. […] The obesity epidemic is continuing to worsen and has become a public health issue. The management and prevention of obesity are best done with an interprofessional team. The key is to educate the client on the importance of changes in lifestyle. […] Antiobesity medications may be prescribed for patients who are unable to achieve weight loss goals through lifestyle modifications alone.
#39 Obesity – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375749
Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your obesity-related health concerns. […] The goal of obesity treatment is to reach and stay at a healthy weight. This improves overall health and lowers the risk of developing complications related to obesity. […] You may need to work with a team of health professionals including a dietitian, behavioral counselor or an obesity specialist to help you understand and make changes in your eating and activity habits. […] A behavior modification program can help you make lifestyle changes to lose weight and keep it off. Steps to take include looking at your current habits to find out what factors, stresses or situations may have contributed to your obesity. […] Weight-loss medicines are meant to be used along with diet, exercise and behavior changes, not instead of them.
#40 Why Obesity Care Is Out of Reach for Many Older Adults
https://www.ncoa.org/article/older-adults-want-comprehensive-obesity-care/
Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) may be prescribed by a health care provider when someone has one or more mild to moderate weight-related health complications. […] Weight loss or obesity surgery is also known as bariatric and metabolic surgery. […] Obesity treatments can be expensive. […] According to the Medicaid Obesity Treatment Coverage 2024 report from STOP Obesity Alliance, no state fully covered all four pillars of obesity treatment. […] Medicare is prohibited from covering AOMs by federal law due to past safety concerns related to Fen-phen. […] The Affordable Care Act of 2010 expanded coverage by governmental and commercial insurers to defray the costs of obesity surgery, but it still does not address AOMs. […] Treatment options for obesity are limited due to gaps in coverage that make them unaffordable for many older adults.
#41 Obesity Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Patient Screening, Assessment, and Expectations, Weight-Loss Goals
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/123702-treatment
Several drugs, of variable efficacy and safety, are now available for the treatment of obesity. However, the benefits usually fade when these drugs are stopped. Because all medications inherently have more risks than diet and exercise do, pharmacologic therapy should be used only in patients in whom the benefit justifies the risk. […] Although bariatric surgery is the most effective intervention for patients with severe obesity, newer glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) may induce significant weight loss (ranging on average between 15% and 22.5%) in patients with obesity. […] Well-performed bariatric surgery in carefully selected patients, carried out with a good multidisciplinary support team, substantially ameliorates the morbidities associated with severe obesity.
#42 Treatment for Overweight & Obesity – NIDDK
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/adult-overweight-obesity/treatment
Most often, health care professionals treat overweight and obesity by helping you adopt lifestyle changes that may help you lose excess weight safely and keep it off over the long term. […] Health care professionals often treat overweight and obesity by recommending lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy eating plan and increasing your physical activity, to help you lose weight safely. […] Weight loss can be difficult to achieve and maintain. When lifestyle changes are not enough, your health care professional may prescribe medicines to treat overweight and obesity. […] Weight-loss surgery, also called metabolic and bariatric surgery, includes several types of operations that help you lose weight by making changes to your digestive system. […] Your health care professional may consider weight-loss devices if you haven’t been able to lose weight or keep off the weight you lost using other treatments.
#43 Obesity: Nursing Diagnosis & Interventions | Nurse.com
https://www.nurse.com/clinical-guides/obesity/?srsltid=AfmBOoqwvuZDbrAVwB_4PtlSw4z7VEyvZLVuFPEMU_nJX0ZTbHW4ZAfn
Obesity management focuses on daily routines and maintenance to help reduce or control body weight. […] Use the nursing process to develop a plan of care for individuals. The nursing assessment (with common findings listed), diagnosis, interventions, expected outcomes, and patient education for individuals with obesity are listed below. […] Assess the individual and develop a plan of care for weight reduction. […] A general approach to losing weight is to develop a diet plan and set realistic goals: […] In addition to diet and exercise treatments, medication and surgery (for severe cases) can be effective. […] After losing weight, weight must be maintained with behavior modification. […] Develop a diet-and-exercise program […] Discuss diagnosis and treatment […] Discuss medications and potentially adverse effects […] Keep a food diary […] Set realistic goals […] Exercise regularly […] Maintain normal body weight.
#44 Obesity – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375749
Weight-loss success after surgery depends on your commitment to making lifelong changes in your eating and exercise habits. […] Your effort to overcome obesity is more likely to be successful if you follow strategies at home along with your formal treatment plan. […] Talk to your health care professional or therapist about improving your coping skills.
#45 Obesity and caring for adult patients in primary care
https://www.myamericannurse.com/caring-for-adult-patients-with-obesity-in-primary-care/
Increasing physical activity and exercise is essential to weight loss and weight maintenance, but recommendations must be based on a patients ability to make this change. […] Talk with patients about the risks and benefits of medications associated with weight gain. Weight neutral or beneficial alternatives should be considered for patients taking medications associated with weight gain. […] Bariatric surgery is another tool for inducing and maintaining weight loss. Referrals to an experienced bariatric surgeon with an accredited bariatric program should be discussed for patients with a BMI 35 with a weight-related comorbidity and those with a BMI 40 regardless of comorbidities. […] Implementing a treatment plan begins by providing patients with a safe and comfortable environment. Recognize any obesity biases you may have, approach patients with empathy, and use person-first language.
#46 Obesity: An Emerging Concern for Patients and Nurses | OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-14-2009/number-1-january-2009/obesity-an-emerging-concern/
The challenges of caring for larger, heavier patients arise in all healthcare settings. […] The nurses role in anticipating obesity-related issues, such as skin, pulmonary, resuscitation, drug absorption, intravenous access, and mobility challenges, is considered. […] Nurses will need to adjust their nursing care as the numbers of larger, heavier patients increase over time. […] When obese patients access nursing care, physical size can complicate even the most basic intervention, regardless of practice setting. […] Anticipating these issues and developing skills in addressing them will soon become part of the role of every nurse. […] Physical size can complicate even the most basic nursing interventions for obese patients. Skin care, respiratory challenges, assessment and resuscitation measures, altered drug absorption, intravenous access, and immobility can pose nursing concerns.
#47 The nursing care of people with class III obesity in an acute care setting: a scoping review | BMC Nursing | Full Text
https://bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12912-021-00760-7
Patients with Class III obesity pose unique challenges to health care staff and organisations. Care requirements of this population are unique and require specialised equipment and knowledge to meet these needs, maintain the quality of care, as well as the safety of patients and staff. […] A paucity of high-quality evidence informs the nursing care of people with Class III obesity in acute care. Access to appropriate equipment dominated the findings of this review. Adequate provision of equipment and education on its use are required. Education to promote engagement with patients, adapting clinical practice and promotion of self-care could improve care and outcomes. […] The increasing number of hospital admissions of people living with Class III obesity and the associated complexity of caring for them, increases demands on health care facilities as well as presenting unique challenges in relation to nursing care requirements.
#48 Obesity: An Emerging Concern for Patients and Nurses | OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-14-2009/number-1-january-2009/obesity-an-emerging-concern/
The challenges of caring for larger, heavier patients arise in all healthcare settings. […] The nurses role in anticipating obesity-related issues, such as skin, pulmonary, resuscitation, drug absorption, intravenous access, and mobility challenges, is considered. […] Nurses will need to adjust their nursing care as the numbers of larger, heavier patients increase over time. […] When obese patients access nursing care, physical size can complicate even the most basic intervention, regardless of practice setting. […] Anticipating these issues and developing skills in addressing them will soon become part of the role of every nurse. […] Physical size can complicate even the most basic nursing interventions for obese patients. Skin care, respiratory challenges, assessment and resuscitation measures, altered drug absorption, intravenous access, and immobility can pose nursing concerns.
#49 Obesity: An Emerging Concern for Patients and Nurses | OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-14-2009/number-1-january-2009/obesity-an-emerging-concern/
The challenges of caring for larger, heavier patients arise in all healthcare settings. […] The nurses role in anticipating obesity-related issues, such as skin, pulmonary, resuscitation, drug absorption, intravenous access, and mobility challenges, is considered. […] Nurses will need to adjust their nursing care as the numbers of larger, heavier patients increase over time. […] When obese patients access nursing care, physical size can complicate even the most basic intervention, regardless of practice setting. […] Anticipating these issues and developing skills in addressing them will soon become part of the role of every nurse. […] Physical size can complicate even the most basic nursing interventions for obese patients. Skin care, respiratory challenges, assessment and resuscitation measures, altered drug absorption, intravenous access, and immobility can pose nursing concerns.
#50 Obesity: An Emerging Concern for Patients and Nurses | OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-14-2009/number-1-january-2009/obesity-an-emerging-concern/
This section will offer suggestions to facilitate the nursing care of patients experiencing these concerns. […] Obese patients often present with atypical pressure ulcers as pressure within skin folds is sufficient to cause skin breakdown. […] Wound healing is problematic because blood supply to adipose tissue is usually compromised, which diminishes oxygen and nutrients necessary to prevent breakdown and promote healing. […] From a nursing care perspective, the patient with OHS often breathes better in the semi-Fowlers position because abdominal fat is diverted from the thoracic cavity. […] It is essential that those managing the needs of the hospitalized patient are aware of the patients home treatment practices. […] If resuscitation measures become necessary, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is needed, a Doppler may be used to hear blood flow through the carotid artery to determine efficacy of compressions.
#51 Obesity: An Emerging Concern for Patients and Nurses | OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-14-2009/number-1-january-2009/obesity-an-emerging-concern/
This section will offer suggestions to facilitate the nursing care of patients experiencing these concerns. […] Obese patients often present with atypical pressure ulcers as pressure within skin folds is sufficient to cause skin breakdown. […] Wound healing is problematic because blood supply to adipose tissue is usually compromised, which diminishes oxygen and nutrients necessary to prevent breakdown and promote healing. […] From a nursing care perspective, the patient with OHS often breathes better in the semi-Fowlers position because abdominal fat is diverted from the thoracic cavity. […] It is essential that those managing the needs of the hospitalized patient are aware of the patients home treatment practices. […] If resuscitation measures become necessary, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is needed, a Doppler may be used to hear blood flow through the carotid artery to determine efficacy of compressions.
#52 Obesity: An Emerging Concern for Patients and Nurses | OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-14-2009/number-1-january-2009/obesity-an-emerging-concern/
This section will offer suggestions to facilitate the nursing care of patients experiencing these concerns. […] Obese patients often present with atypical pressure ulcers as pressure within skin folds is sufficient to cause skin breakdown. […] Wound healing is problematic because blood supply to adipose tissue is usually compromised, which diminishes oxygen and nutrients necessary to prevent breakdown and promote healing. […] From a nursing care perspective, the patient with OHS often breathes better in the semi-Fowlers position because abdominal fat is diverted from the thoracic cavity. […] It is essential that those managing the needs of the hospitalized patient are aware of the patients home treatment practices. […] If resuscitation measures become necessary, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is needed, a Doppler may be used to hear blood flow through the carotid artery to determine efficacy of compressions.
#53 Understand 5 Obesity Nursing Care Plans & Diagnosis
https://vervecollege.edu/nursing-care-plan-for-obesity/
In obese patients, regularly inspect the ordinary and unusual areas of skin breakdown, such as under the breasts and lower abdomen. […] Adipose tissue increases can reduce the blood supply, oxygen, and nutrients to peripheral tissues. […] In Western societies today, the idealized physique is slim. […] Sedentary behavior is any activity involving a low energy expenditure, such as leaning or sitting with a metabolic equivalent task of less than 1.5 MET. Sedentary behavior is associated with metabolic risk scores and waist circumference, independent of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Increased activity can treat obesity in clients who tend to move less.
#54 Understand 5 Obesity Nursing Care Plans & Diagnosis
https://vervecollege.edu/nursing-care-plan-for-obesity/
In obese patients, regularly inspect the ordinary and unusual areas of skin breakdown, such as under the breasts and lower abdomen. […] Adipose tissue increases can reduce the blood supply, oxygen, and nutrients to peripheral tissues. […] In Western societies today, the idealized physique is slim. […] Sedentary behavior is any activity involving a low energy expenditure, such as leaning or sitting with a metabolic equivalent task of less than 1.5 MET. Sedentary behavior is associated with metabolic risk scores and waist circumference, independent of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Increased activity can treat obesity in clients who tend to move less.
#55 Obesity: An Emerging Concern for Patients and Nurses | OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-14-2009/number-1-january-2009/obesity-an-emerging-concern/
This section will offer suggestions to facilitate the nursing care of patients experiencing these concerns. […] Obese patients often present with atypical pressure ulcers as pressure within skin folds is sufficient to cause skin breakdown. […] Wound healing is problematic because blood supply to adipose tissue is usually compromised, which diminishes oxygen and nutrients necessary to prevent breakdown and promote healing. […] From a nursing care perspective, the patient with OHS often breathes better in the semi-Fowlers position because abdominal fat is diverted from the thoracic cavity. […] It is essential that those managing the needs of the hospitalized patient are aware of the patients home treatment practices. […] If resuscitation measures become necessary, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is needed, a Doppler may be used to hear blood flow through the carotid artery to determine efficacy of compressions.
#56 Obesity: An Emerging Concern for Patients and Nurses | OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-14-2009/number-1-january-2009/obesity-an-emerging-concern/
This section will offer suggestions to facilitate the nursing care of patients experiencing these concerns. […] Obese patients often present with atypical pressure ulcers as pressure within skin folds is sufficient to cause skin breakdown. […] Wound healing is problematic because blood supply to adipose tissue is usually compromised, which diminishes oxygen and nutrients necessary to prevent breakdown and promote healing. […] From a nursing care perspective, the patient with OHS often breathes better in the semi-Fowlers position because abdominal fat is diverted from the thoracic cavity. […] It is essential that those managing the needs of the hospitalized patient are aware of the patients home treatment practices. […] If resuscitation measures become necessary, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is needed, a Doppler may be used to hear blood flow through the carotid artery to determine efficacy of compressions.
#57 Obesity: An Emerging Concern for Patients and Nurses | OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-14-2009/number-1-january-2009/obesity-an-emerging-concern/
This section will offer suggestions to facilitate the nursing care of patients experiencing these concerns. […] Obese patients often present with atypical pressure ulcers as pressure within skin folds is sufficient to cause skin breakdown. […] Wound healing is problematic because blood supply to adipose tissue is usually compromised, which diminishes oxygen and nutrients necessary to prevent breakdown and promote healing. […] From a nursing care perspective, the patient with OHS often breathes better in the semi-Fowlers position because abdominal fat is diverted from the thoracic cavity. […] It is essential that those managing the needs of the hospitalized patient are aware of the patients home treatment practices. […] If resuscitation measures become necessary, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is needed, a Doppler may be used to hear blood flow through the carotid artery to determine efficacy of compressions.
#58 Obesity: An Emerging Concern for Patients and Nurses | OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-14-2009/number-1-january-2009/obesity-an-emerging-concern/
Excess body fat might alter drug absorption, depending on the medication. […] Intravenous (IV) access can also be challenging in obese patients. […] Most very overweight patients are at risk for certain hazards of immobility. Common immobility-related complications include skin breakdown, cardiac deconditioning, deep vein thrombosis, muscle atrophy, urinary stasis, constipation, pain management problems, and depression. […] Regardless of the etiology of a patients obesity, nurses best serve the larger, heavier patient when there is an understanding of the complex clinical needs of the patient.
#59 Obesity: An Emerging Concern for Patients and Nurses | OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-14-2009/number-1-january-2009/obesity-an-emerging-concern/
Excess body fat might alter drug absorption, depending on the medication. […] Intravenous (IV) access can also be challenging in obese patients. […] Most very overweight patients are at risk for certain hazards of immobility. Common immobility-related complications include skin breakdown, cardiac deconditioning, deep vein thrombosis, muscle atrophy, urinary stasis, constipation, pain management problems, and depression. […] Regardless of the etiology of a patients obesity, nurses best serve the larger, heavier patient when there is an understanding of the complex clinical needs of the patient.
#60 Obesity and caring for adult patients in primary care
https://www.myamericannurse.com/caring-for-adult-patients-with-obesity-in-primary-care/
Increasing physical activity and exercise is essential to weight loss and weight maintenance, but recommendations must be based on a patients ability to make this change. […] Talk with patients about the risks and benefits of medications associated with weight gain. Weight neutral or beneficial alternatives should be considered for patients taking medications associated with weight gain. […] Bariatric surgery is another tool for inducing and maintaining weight loss. Referrals to an experienced bariatric surgeon with an accredited bariatric program should be discussed for patients with a BMI 35 with a weight-related comorbidity and those with a BMI 40 regardless of comorbidities. […] Implementing a treatment plan begins by providing patients with a safe and comfortable environment. Recognize any obesity biases you may have, approach patients with empathy, and use person-first language.
#61 Obesity: An Emerging Concern for Patients and Nurses | OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-14-2009/number-1-january-2009/obesity-an-emerging-concern/
Excess body fat might alter drug absorption, depending on the medication. […] Intravenous (IV) access can also be challenging in obese patients. […] Most very overweight patients are at risk for certain hazards of immobility. Common immobility-related complications include skin breakdown, cardiac deconditioning, deep vein thrombosis, muscle atrophy, urinary stasis, constipation, pain management problems, and depression. […] Regardless of the etiology of a patients obesity, nurses best serve the larger, heavier patient when there is an understanding of the complex clinical needs of the patient.
#62 Obesity and caring for adult patients in primary care
https://www.myamericannurse.com/caring-for-adult-patients-with-obesity-in-primary-care/
Increasing physical activity and exercise is essential to weight loss and weight maintenance, but recommendations must be based on a patients ability to make this change. […] Talk with patients about the risks and benefits of medications associated with weight gain. Weight neutral or beneficial alternatives should be considered for patients taking medications associated with weight gain. […] Bariatric surgery is another tool for inducing and maintaining weight loss. Referrals to an experienced bariatric surgeon with an accredited bariatric program should be discussed for patients with a BMI 35 with a weight-related comorbidity and those with a BMI 40 regardless of comorbidities. […] Implementing a treatment plan begins by providing patients with a safe and comfortable environment. Recognize any obesity biases you may have, approach patients with empathy, and use person-first language.
#63 Obesity | 6 Nursing Diagnosis, Care Plans, & More – Nursing Student Assistance
https://allnurses.com/obesity-nursing-diagnosis-care-plans-t750278/
Patients living with obesity may struggle to make independent and purposeful physical movements. This limitation can place them at a higher risk of continued weight gain, making losing weight more challenging. Therefore, the nurse must address this problem with practical ways the patient can increase physical mobility, even if it’s small incremental changes. […] Nurses can make a difference in the lives of patients living with obesity by providing education, setting realistic goals, and helping them develop healthy behaviors. With proper care and support, patients can set realistic weight loss, exercise, and diet goals that they can achieve.
#64 Obesity (Nursing) – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568702/
Obesity is the excessive or abnormal accumulation of fat or adipose tissue in the body that may impair health. Obesity has become an epidemic which has worsened for the last 50 years. […] Obesity needs multiprong treatment strategies and may require lifelong treatment. A 5% to 10% weight loss can significantly improve health, quality of life, and economic burden of an individual and a country as a whole. […] Describe the role of the nurse in the management of an obese patient. […] Nursing Management: Review risk factors for obesity in the patient, encourage healthy eating, encourage exercise, educate patients about the harms of obesity, enhance self-care and self-esteem, develop a food diary, avoid fast foods, be realistic about weight loss, eat at scheduled times, slowly cut down on food portions, use weight loss drugs with caution, consider surgery if medical methods fail to help you lose weight, consult with a dietitian about a healthy diet. […] The management of obesity is best done with a multidisciplinary team that includes a bariatric nurse, surgeon, internist, primary care provider, endocrinologist, and a pharmacist. […] The key is to educate the patient on the importance of changes in lifestyle.
#65 Obesity (Nursing) – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568702/
Obesity is the excessive or abnormal accumulation of fat or adipose tissue in the body that may impair health. Obesity has become an epidemic which has worsened for the last 50 years. […] Obesity needs multiprong treatment strategies and may require lifelong treatment. A 5% to 10% weight loss can significantly improve health, quality of life, and economic burden of an individual and a country as a whole. […] Describe the role of the nurse in the management of an obese patient. […] Nursing Management: Review risk factors for obesity in the patient, encourage healthy eating, encourage exercise, educate patients about the harms of obesity, enhance self-care and self-esteem, develop a food diary, avoid fast foods, be realistic about weight loss, eat at scheduled times, slowly cut down on food portions, use weight loss drugs with caution, consider surgery if medical methods fail to help you lose weight, consult with a dietitian about a healthy diet. […] The management of obesity is best done with a multidisciplinary team that includes a bariatric nurse, surgeon, internist, primary care provider, endocrinologist, and a pharmacist. […] The key is to educate the patient on the importance of changes in lifestyle.
#66 Obesity: Nursing Diagnosis & Interventions | Nurse.com
https://www.nurse.com/clinical-guides/obesity/?srsltid=AfmBOoqwvuZDbrAVwB_4PtlSw4z7VEyvZLVuFPEMU_nJX0ZTbHW4ZAfn
Obesity management focuses on daily routines and maintenance to help reduce or control body weight. […] Use the nursing process to develop a plan of care for individuals. The nursing assessment (with common findings listed), diagnosis, interventions, expected outcomes, and patient education for individuals with obesity are listed below. […] Assess the individual and develop a plan of care for weight reduction. […] A general approach to losing weight is to develop a diet plan and set realistic goals: […] In addition to diet and exercise treatments, medication and surgery (for severe cases) can be effective. […] After losing weight, weight must be maintained with behavior modification. […] Develop a diet-and-exercise program […] Discuss diagnosis and treatment […] Discuss medications and potentially adverse effects […] Keep a food diary […] Set realistic goals […] Exercise regularly […] Maintain normal body weight.
#67 Obesity and caring for adult patients in primary care
https://www.myamericannurse.com/caring-for-adult-patients-with-obesity-in-primary-care/
Goal setting and planning during treatment should be a shared medical decision. The ultimate goal should be to improve health and quality of life. Weight loss can reduce, mitigate, or reverse the effects of health-related consequences of excess weight, which may reduce the need for medications and help patients save money on copays and office visits. […] Setting attainable goals is a key step in planning. The patient may have 100 pounds to lose, but telling them to lose 100 pounds will set them up for failure. A more reasonable goal would be to lose 5% to 10% of their current body weight. […] Planning for dietary changes can be complicated. Food is part of the culture and social interaction of all nations, races, and ethnicities. Every population has their own set of social norms related to food, which will have to be navigated.
#68 Obesity | 6 Nursing Diagnosis, Care Plans, & More – Nursing Student Assistance
https://allnurses.com/obesity-nursing-diagnosis-care-plans-t750278/
For some patients, behavioral changes alone won’t be enough to treat obesity. In these situations, the patient might require medications or surgery. However, both treatment modalities have potentially serious risks, so this treatment regimen is usually reserved for severe cases only. […] Here are six obesity nursing diagnoses. […] Overeating isn’t the only reason people gain weight. Many people eat average amounts of food but gain weight because of the kinds of foods they consume. A healthy diet must consist of the right types and amounts of food combined with a healthy exercise regimen. […] A sedentary life increases individuals’ risk of obesity and other health conditions. […] Obesity often comes with significant or severe psychological and social burdens. […] Some patients may not fully understand the risks of being obese. Nurses help bridge the knowledge gap by educating the patient and giving them all the needed information to make informed decisions.
#69 Obesity (Nursing) – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568702/
Obesity is the excessive or abnormal accumulation of fat or adipose tissue in the body that may impair health. Obesity has become an epidemic which has worsened for the last 50 years. […] Obesity needs multiprong treatment strategies and may require lifelong treatment. A 5% to 10% weight loss can significantly improve health, quality of life, and economic burden of an individual and a country as a whole. […] Describe the role of the nurse in the management of an obese patient. […] Nursing Management: Review risk factors for obesity in the patient, encourage healthy eating, encourage exercise, educate patients about the harms of obesity, enhance self-care and self-esteem, develop a food diary, avoid fast foods, be realistic about weight loss, eat at scheduled times, slowly cut down on food portions, use weight loss drugs with caution, consider surgery if medical methods fail to help you lose weight, consult with a dietitian about a healthy diet. […] The management of obesity is best done with a multidisciplinary team that includes a bariatric nurse, surgeon, internist, primary care provider, endocrinologist, and a pharmacist. […] The key is to educate the patient on the importance of changes in lifestyle.
#70 Obesity and Pregnancy – Nursing CEU Course
https://ceufast.com/course/obesity-and-pregnancy
Women with obesity may also have complications with anesthesia. […] Gestational diabetes is strongly correlated with and a well-established risk factor for fetal macrosomia. […] Infants born to women with obesity also have an increased risk of hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia. […] After delivery, women with obesity are at an increased risk for endometritis, wound dehiscence after a cesarean section, and venous thrombosis. […] Postpartum women with obesity are also at an increased risk for infection and postpartum depression. […] Weight loss is the most important factor in improving outcomes. […] Making adjustments to diet and exercise level before getting pregnant can improve reproductive and pregnancy outcomes and improve the woman’s overall health. […] The nurse can help the woman identify barriers and find motivators to lead the woman to healthier eating and exercise. […] The nurse should also teach these patients about the need for proper long-term medical care, including screening for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
#71 Home – Nurses Obesity Network
https://nursesobesitynetwork.org/
Nurses Inspiring the Nation through Obesity Care. The Nurses Obesity Network is a diverse group of nursing organizations committed to changing the way we view, treat, and advance care for people living with obesity including members of our own nursing profession. […] Obesity is a chronic disease which requires more than one approach to weight management and treatment. […] Collectively, we will become role models for wellbeing, champions for change, and advocates for better obesity care and treatment. […] Have comprehensive, courageous and compassionate conversations with patients about how their weight may be affecting their overall health. […] Obesity is a complex chronic disease in which abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat impairs health. […] We still have a long way to go in recognizing and treating obesity as a chronic disease with significant health inequities. Become advocates for change.
#72 How to Treat Obesity | American Diabetes Association
https://diabetes.org/obesity
In combination with healthy lifestyle changes, medication can be a game-changer for obesity care. […] Surgeries that are a part of obesity care can help by either making your stomach smaller so you cannot eat as much, or by lowering the number of calories your body can absorb. […] Living with obesity takes a toll on more than just your bodyits emotional too. […] Remember, youre not alone in your health journey. […] The signs, symptoms, and bodily processes of obesity classify it as a treatable disease. […] Obesity puts you at higher risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and blood clots, which are major heart disease risk factors.
#73 How to Treat Obesity | American Diabetes Association
https://diabetes.org/obesity
In combination with healthy lifestyle changes, medication can be a game-changer for obesity care. […] Surgeries that are a part of obesity care can help by either making your stomach smaller so you cannot eat as much, or by lowering the number of calories your body can absorb. […] Living with obesity takes a toll on more than just your bodyits emotional too. […] Remember, youre not alone in your health journey. […] The signs, symptoms, and bodily processes of obesity classify it as a treatable disease. […] Obesity puts you at higher risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and blood clots, which are major heart disease risk factors.
#74 Obesity and caring for adult patients in primary care
https://www.myamericannurse.com/caring-for-adult-patients-with-obesity-in-primary-care/
Goal setting and planning during treatment should be a shared medical decision. The ultimate goal should be to improve health and quality of life. Weight loss can reduce, mitigate, or reverse the effects of health-related consequences of excess weight, which may reduce the need for medications and help patients save money on copays and office visits. […] Setting attainable goals is a key step in planning. The patient may have 100 pounds to lose, but telling them to lose 100 pounds will set them up for failure. A more reasonable goal would be to lose 5% to 10% of their current body weight. […] Planning for dietary changes can be complicated. Food is part of the culture and social interaction of all nations, races, and ethnicities. Every population has their own set of social norms related to food, which will have to be navigated.
#75 Obesity and caring for adult patients in primary care
https://www.myamericannurse.com/caring-for-adult-patients-with-obesity-in-primary-care/
Goal setting and planning during treatment should be a shared medical decision. The ultimate goal should be to improve health and quality of life. Weight loss can reduce, mitigate, or reverse the effects of health-related consequences of excess weight, which may reduce the need for medications and help patients save money on copays and office visits. […] Setting attainable goals is a key step in planning. The patient may have 100 pounds to lose, but telling them to lose 100 pounds will set them up for failure. A more reasonable goal would be to lose 5% to 10% of their current body weight. […] Planning for dietary changes can be complicated. Food is part of the culture and social interaction of all nations, races, and ethnicities. Every population has their own set of social norms related to food, which will have to be navigated.
#76 Obesity (Nursing) – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568702/
Obesity is the excessive or abnormal accumulation of fat or adipose tissue in the body that may impair health. Obesity has become an epidemic which has worsened for the last 50 years. […] Obesity needs multiprong treatment strategies and may require lifelong treatment. A 5% to 10% weight loss can significantly improve health, quality of life, and economic burden of an individual and a country as a whole. […] Describe the role of the nurse in the management of an obese patient. […] Nursing Management: Review risk factors for obesity in the patient, encourage healthy eating, encourage exercise, educate patients about the harms of obesity, enhance self-care and self-esteem, develop a food diary, avoid fast foods, be realistic about weight loss, eat at scheduled times, slowly cut down on food portions, use weight loss drugs with caution, consider surgery if medical methods fail to help you lose weight, consult with a dietitian about a healthy diet. […] The management of obesity is best done with a multidisciplinary team that includes a bariatric nurse, surgeon, internist, primary care provider, endocrinologist, and a pharmacist. […] The key is to educate the patient on the importance of changes in lifestyle.
#77 Obesity Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Patient Screening, Assessment, and Expectations, Weight-Loss Goals
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/123702-treatment
Treatment of obesity starts with comprehensive lifestyle management (ie, diet, physical activity, behavior modification), which should include the following: Self-monitoring of caloric intake and physical activity, Goal setting, Stimulus control, Nonfood rewards, Relapse prevention. […] As with all chronic medical conditions, effective management of obesity must be based on a partnership between a highly motivated patient and a committed team of health professionals. This team may include the physician, a psychologist or psychiatrist, physical and exercise therapists, dietitians, and other specialists, depending on the comorbidities of the individual patient. Scientific evidence indicates that multidisciplinary programs reliably produce and sustain modest weight loss between 5% and 10% for the long-term.
#78 Obesity – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375749
Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your obesity-related health concerns. […] The goal of obesity treatment is to reach and stay at a healthy weight. This improves overall health and lowers the risk of developing complications related to obesity. […] You may need to work with a team of health professionals including a dietitian, behavioral counselor or an obesity specialist to help you understand and make changes in your eating and activity habits. […] A behavior modification program can help you make lifestyle changes to lose weight and keep it off. Steps to take include looking at your current habits to find out what factors, stresses or situations may have contributed to your obesity. […] Weight-loss medicines are meant to be used along with diet, exercise and behavior changes, not instead of them.
#79 Obesity In-Home Care Services | Obesity Treatment at Home
https://ennoblecare.com/conditions/obesity/
With our expert guidance and personalized plans, we bring obesity treatment at home. […] Experience compassionate in-home obesity treatments for a healthier you. […] Our trained professionals offer customized meal plans for obesity treatment. […] Through counseling sessions, we address the psychological aspects of obesity, providing support, guidance, and strategies to promote positive behavior changes and overcome challenges related to eating habits and emotional triggers. […] Our team provides exercise planning and support for obesity treatment. […] Our team of trained professionals provides monitoring and evaluation for obesity treatment. […] Addressing obesity concerns with answers to frequently asked questions on causes, health risks, and compassionate treatment options. […] Yes, obesity can significantly increase the risk of developing various medical conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, certain types of cancer, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and liver disease. […] It is advisable to seek care for obesity when it starts affecting your health and quality of life. […] Embrace the convenience and comfort of in-home care for effective and convenient obesity treatment.
#80 The Role of Nurses in Supporting Patients with Obesity – PCNA
https://pcna.net/news/the-role-of-nurses-in-supporting-patients-with-obesity/
Nurses can assist patients in addressing not only obesity but also associated comorbidities in a systematic and supportive manner. […] By understanding the pathophysiology of obesity, nurses and other healthcare professionals can collaborate to improve patient outcomes. […] Nurses can recognize and address the impacts of health inequities on access to high-quality care and treatment for obesity to ensure that all patients have equitable opportunities to achieve optimal health. […] Nurses have the opportunity to address personal, institutional, and societal biases of overweight/obese to aid in breaking the cycle of stress-induced unhealthy behaviors.
#81 The Role of Nurses in Supporting Patients with Obesity – PCNA
https://pcna.net/news/the-role-of-nurses-in-supporting-patients-with-obesity/
Obesity is a chronic disease that affects more than 80 million people in the USmore than 4 in 10 adults and nearly 2 in 10 children. The disease puts individuals at greater risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, cancer, stroke, heart disease, dyslipidemia, and end-stage renal disease. […] No matter the setting, nurses are well-placed to significantly impact the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with obesity/overweight. Compassionate, supportive care incorporating guideline-directed behavior change strategies and appropriate pharmacotherapy and surgical options allows patients to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and other disorders, decrease the financial burden on the individual and health systems, and improve overall health. […] Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring access to quality care for patients, including those with obesity/overweight.
#82 6 Obesity Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan [2025 Guide] – Nurseslabs
https://nurseslabs.com/obesity-nursing-care-plans/
Use this nursing care plan and management guide to help care for patients with obesity. Enhance your understanding of nursing assessment, interventions, goals, and nursing diagnosis, all specifically tailored to address the unique needs of individuals facing obesity. This guide equips you with the necessary information to provide effective and specialized care to patients dealing with obesity. […] Treatment of obesity starts with comprehensive lifestyle management including diet, physical activity, and behavior modification. […] The following are the nursing priorities for patients with obesity. […] For patients with obesity, nursing interventions aim to assess and monitor their weight and vital signs, provide education on healthy eating habits and physical activity, develop personalized meal plans, promote regular exercise, support behavior modification, offer ongoing support and follow-up, and set achievable goals for weight loss and improved health outcomes. The goal is to assist patients in achieving sustainable weight loss or weight management, improving overall health, and reducing the risk of obesity-related complications.
#83 Understand 5 Obesity Nursing Care Plans & Diagnosis
https://vervecollege.edu/nursing-care-plan-for-obesity/
Obesity nursing interventions for obese patients want to assess vital signs, monitor, and educate them on healthy eating habits and physical activity, create individualized menus, encourage regular physical activity at a good level, support behavioral modification, provide ongoing support, and follow up in clinical settings in long-term care facilities. […] It is essential to help patients with the clinical skills of a professional nurse to achieve sustainable weight loss, improve their overall health, and reduce the risk of problems caused by obesity and chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, and heart disease in health care facilities. […] It is becoming more common to recognize obesity as a factor in nutrient deficiencies. […] Body perception unhappiness in morbidly obese people is more significant and one of the reasons for undergoing surgery.
#84 Obesity and Pregnancy – Nursing CEU Course
https://ceufast.com/course/obesity-and-pregnancy
Women with obesity may also have complications with anesthesia. […] Gestational diabetes is strongly correlated with and a well-established risk factor for fetal macrosomia. […] Infants born to women with obesity also have an increased risk of hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia. […] After delivery, women with obesity are at an increased risk for endometritis, wound dehiscence after a cesarean section, and venous thrombosis. […] Postpartum women with obesity are also at an increased risk for infection and postpartum depression. […] Weight loss is the most important factor in improving outcomes. […] Making adjustments to diet and exercise level before getting pregnant can improve reproductive and pregnancy outcomes and improve the woman’s overall health. […] The nurse can help the woman identify barriers and find motivators to lead the woman to healthier eating and exercise. […] The nurse should also teach these patients about the need for proper long-term medical care, including screening for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
#85 Nursing Interventions for Childhood Obesity | Regis College Online
https://online.regiscollege.edu/blog/interventions-for-childhood-obesity/
According to surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), between 2017 and 2020, nearly 20% of children between the ages of 2 and 19 were considered obese. […] Given the prevalence of this issue and its grave implications for public health, its clear that interventions are necessary, and health care providers particularly nurses are among the first lines of defense. […] Nurse practitioners, and particularly those who work as family nurse practitioners (FNPs), pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs), and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), have some of the most important roles in fighting childhood obesity. […] Early interventions for childhood obesity are vital to stemming the tide against this epidemic, and nurses have a vital role to play in developing and implementing effective interventions.
#86 Nursing Interventions for Childhood Obesity | Regis College Online
https://online.regiscollege.edu/blog/interventions-for-childhood-obesity/
According to surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), between 2017 and 2020, nearly 20% of children between the ages of 2 and 19 were considered obese. […] Given the prevalence of this issue and its grave implications for public health, its clear that interventions are necessary, and health care providers particularly nurses are among the first lines of defense. […] Nurse practitioners, and particularly those who work as family nurse practitioners (FNPs), pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs), and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), have some of the most important roles in fighting childhood obesity. […] Early interventions for childhood obesity are vital to stemming the tide against this epidemic, and nurses have a vital role to play in developing and implementing effective interventions.
#87 Obesity: Assessment and Management in Primary Care | AAFP
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2001/0601/p2185.html
Because of the difficulty in maintaining weight loss over time, prevention continues to be the most viable option for controlling overweight. […] In children and adolescents, tailored messages should emphasize the importance of regular physical activity accompanied by a properly balanced diet so that growth is not impaired. […] To maintain a healthy weight, good dietary habits must be coupled with increasing physical activity, and these must become permanent lifestyle changes.
#88 Obesity Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Patient Screening, Assessment, and Expectations, Weight-Loss Goals
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/123702-treatment
In cases of childhood obesity, the goal is not to cause weight loss but to reduce the rate of weight gain to fit normal growth curves. The basic principles of management include the following: Modifying diet, Increasing appropriate physical activity and exercise, Reducing time spent in sedentary activities – For example, watching television, Modifying behavior. […] Medication therapy may also be used in the management of pediatric obesity, but close monitoring and a combination of all the aforementioned modalities is required to achieve substantial and sustained weight loss.
#89 National Consumers League â The Obesity Bill of Rights
https://right2obesitycare.org/
The Obesity Bill of Rights envisions a future where more than 100 million adults in the US will lead healthier lives because they have these eight essential rights to be diagnosed, counseled, and treated for their obesity according to medical guidelines. […] This gives people the right to treatment by health providers who have expertise in obesity care. […] This establishes the right to get obesity care that is personalized, reflects the personâs health goals, and is not based only on oneâs weight status. […] This right ensures people of a large size get respectful care in clinical settings using size/weight accessible garments and equipment. […] This gives people over age 60 the right to receive obesity care that reflects their different physiology and medical needs. […] This ensures people with obesity have access to the full range of treatment options through health insurance that is widely available and affordable. […] The purpose of the first-ever the Obesity Bill of Rights is to give the public the power to fight for better care for Americans with obesity.
#90 National Consumers League â The Obesity Bill of Rights
https://right2obesitycare.org/
The Obesity Bill of Rights envisions a future where more than 100 million adults in the US will lead healthier lives because they have these eight essential rights to be diagnosed, counseled, and treated for their obesity according to medical guidelines. […] This gives people the right to treatment by health providers who have expertise in obesity care. […] This establishes the right to get obesity care that is personalized, reflects the personâs health goals, and is not based only on oneâs weight status. […] This right ensures people of a large size get respectful care in clinical settings using size/weight accessible garments and equipment. […] This gives people over age 60 the right to receive obesity care that reflects their different physiology and medical needs. […] This ensures people with obesity have access to the full range of treatment options through health insurance that is widely available and affordable. […] The purpose of the first-ever the Obesity Bill of Rights is to give the public the power to fight for better care for Americans with obesity.
#91 Learning Center
https://gsaenrich.geron.org/obesity-and-overweight
The Gerontological Society of America KAER Toolkit for the Management of Obesity in Older Adults is intended to support primary care teams who seek to implement a comprehensive approach to help older adults with overweight and obesity recognize and care for their condition. […] The discussion highlights the need for an evidence-based, interprofessional approach to obesity management. Panelists addressed persistent stigma and bias in healthcare, disparities in access to treatment, and the importance of cultural considerations in obesity care. […] They describe how by using the GSA KAERKickstart, Assess, Evaluate, ReferFramework and the tools and resources in the GSA KAER Toolkit for the Management of Obesity in Older Adults primary care teams can support older adults with obesity to recognize and care for their condition. […] This GSA Momentum Discussion Webinar focuses on obesity as a chronic and often untreated disease, inextricably linked to common health conditions that impact the health and mobility of older adults.
#92 Obesity and Pregnancy – Nursing CEU Course
https://ceufast.com/course/obesity-and-pregnancy
92% of participants will know how obesity can impact pregnancy. […] Identify why maternal obesity is a pregnancy risk. […] List ways that obesity can impact the woman during pregnancy. […] Determine the risks that women with obesity have during labor and delivery. […] Describe how obesity can impact the fetus during pregnancy and delivery. […] Explain how the woman with obesity can improve her health outcomes. […] Plan the nursing care that is important for women with obesity. […] Women with obesity have increased risks for maternal and perinatal complications. […] Up to 25% of all pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and preterm birth may be related to maternal obesity. […] Women with obesity are at risk of menstrual dysfunction, including oligo-ovulation or anovulation, which could lead to difficulty conceiving.
#93 Obesity and Pregnancy – Nursing CEU Course
https://ceufast.com/course/obesity-and-pregnancy
92% of participants will know how obesity can impact pregnancy. […] Identify why maternal obesity is a pregnancy risk. […] List ways that obesity can impact the woman during pregnancy. […] Determine the risks that women with obesity have during labor and delivery. […] Describe how obesity can impact the fetus during pregnancy and delivery. […] Explain how the woman with obesity can improve her health outcomes. […] Plan the nursing care that is important for women with obesity. […] Women with obesity have increased risks for maternal and perinatal complications. […] Up to 25% of all pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and preterm birth may be related to maternal obesity. […] Women with obesity are at risk of menstrual dysfunction, including oligo-ovulation or anovulation, which could lead to difficulty conceiving.
#94 Obesity and Pregnancy – Nursing CEU Course
https://ceufast.com/course/obesity-and-pregnancy
Once a woman is pregnant, there are additional risks that she has that are associated with obesity. […] Women with obesity have a significant increase in early pregnancy loss. […] Gestational diabetes, or diabetes that has an onset during pregnancy, is three to four times more likely in obese women. […] Obesity is also a risk factor for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. […] Preterm birth is also a risk of obesity. […] During the labor and delivery timeframe, obesity has been known to contribute to longer inductions of labor, longer labor times, and increased rates of cesarean sections. […] Women with obesity are also more likely to have a macrosomic infant, which is defined as an infant weighing greater than 4000 grams. […] These complications can cause trauma to the mother or the fetus, including postpartum hemorrhage.
#95 Obesity and Pregnancy – Nursing CEU Course
https://ceufast.com/course/obesity-and-pregnancy
Once a woman is pregnant, there are additional risks that she has that are associated with obesity. […] Women with obesity have a significant increase in early pregnancy loss. […] Gestational diabetes, or diabetes that has an onset during pregnancy, is three to four times more likely in obese women. […] Obesity is also a risk factor for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. […] Preterm birth is also a risk of obesity. […] During the labor and delivery timeframe, obesity has been known to contribute to longer inductions of labor, longer labor times, and increased rates of cesarean sections. […] Women with obesity are also more likely to have a macrosomic infant, which is defined as an infant weighing greater than 4000 grams. […] These complications can cause trauma to the mother or the fetus, including postpartum hemorrhage.
#96 Obesity and Pregnancy – Nursing CEU Course
https://ceufast.com/course/obesity-and-pregnancy
Once a woman is pregnant, there are additional risks that she has that are associated with obesity. […] Women with obesity have a significant increase in early pregnancy loss. […] Gestational diabetes, or diabetes that has an onset during pregnancy, is three to four times more likely in obese women. […] Obesity is also a risk factor for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. […] Preterm birth is also a risk of obesity. […] During the labor and delivery timeframe, obesity has been known to contribute to longer inductions of labor, longer labor times, and increased rates of cesarean sections. […] Women with obesity are also more likely to have a macrosomic infant, which is defined as an infant weighing greater than 4000 grams. […] These complications can cause trauma to the mother or the fetus, including postpartum hemorrhage.
#97 Obesity and Pregnancy – Nursing CEU Course
https://ceufast.com/course/obesity-and-pregnancy
Once a woman is pregnant, there are additional risks that she has that are associated with obesity. […] Women with obesity have a significant increase in early pregnancy loss. […] Gestational diabetes, or diabetes that has an onset during pregnancy, is three to four times more likely in obese women. […] Obesity is also a risk factor for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. […] Preterm birth is also a risk of obesity. […] During the labor and delivery timeframe, obesity has been known to contribute to longer inductions of labor, longer labor times, and increased rates of cesarean sections. […] Women with obesity are also more likely to have a macrosomic infant, which is defined as an infant weighing greater than 4000 grams. […] These complications can cause trauma to the mother or the fetus, including postpartum hemorrhage.
#98 Obesity and Pregnancy – Nursing CEU Course
https://ceufast.com/course/obesity-and-pregnancy
Once a woman is pregnant, there are additional risks that she has that are associated with obesity. […] Women with obesity have a significant increase in early pregnancy loss. […] Gestational diabetes, or diabetes that has an onset during pregnancy, is three to four times more likely in obese women. […] Obesity is also a risk factor for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. […] Preterm birth is also a risk of obesity. […] During the labor and delivery timeframe, obesity has been known to contribute to longer inductions of labor, longer labor times, and increased rates of cesarean sections. […] Women with obesity are also more likely to have a macrosomic infant, which is defined as an infant weighing greater than 4000 grams. […] These complications can cause trauma to the mother or the fetus, including postpartum hemorrhage.
#99 Obesity and Pregnancy – Nursing CEU Course
https://ceufast.com/course/obesity-and-pregnancy
Once a woman is pregnant, there are additional risks that she has that are associated with obesity. […] Women with obesity have a significant increase in early pregnancy loss. […] Gestational diabetes, or diabetes that has an onset during pregnancy, is three to four times more likely in obese women. […] Obesity is also a risk factor for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. […] Preterm birth is also a risk of obesity. […] During the labor and delivery timeframe, obesity has been known to contribute to longer inductions of labor, longer labor times, and increased rates of cesarean sections. […] Women with obesity are also more likely to have a macrosomic infant, which is defined as an infant weighing greater than 4000 grams. […] These complications can cause trauma to the mother or the fetus, including postpartum hemorrhage.
#100 Obesity and Pregnancy – Nursing CEU Course
https://ceufast.com/course/obesity-and-pregnancy
Once a woman is pregnant, there are additional risks that she has that are associated with obesity. […] Women with obesity have a significant increase in early pregnancy loss. […] Gestational diabetes, or diabetes that has an onset during pregnancy, is three to four times more likely in obese women. […] Obesity is also a risk factor for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. […] Preterm birth is also a risk of obesity. […] During the labor and delivery timeframe, obesity has been known to contribute to longer inductions of labor, longer labor times, and increased rates of cesarean sections. […] Women with obesity are also more likely to have a macrosomic infant, which is defined as an infant weighing greater than 4000 grams. […] These complications can cause trauma to the mother or the fetus, including postpartum hemorrhage.
#101 Obesity and Pregnancy – Nursing CEU Course
https://ceufast.com/course/obesity-and-pregnancy
Women with obesity may also have complications with anesthesia. […] Gestational diabetes is strongly correlated with and a well-established risk factor for fetal macrosomia. […] Infants born to women with obesity also have an increased risk of hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia. […] After delivery, women with obesity are at an increased risk for endometritis, wound dehiscence after a cesarean section, and venous thrombosis. […] Postpartum women with obesity are also at an increased risk for infection and postpartum depression. […] Weight loss is the most important factor in improving outcomes. […] Making adjustments to diet and exercise level before getting pregnant can improve reproductive and pregnancy outcomes and improve the woman’s overall health. […] The nurse can help the woman identify barriers and find motivators to lead the woman to healthier eating and exercise. […] The nurse should also teach these patients about the need for proper long-term medical care, including screening for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
#102 Obesity and Pregnancy – Nursing CEU Course
https://ceufast.com/course/obesity-and-pregnancy
Women with obesity may also have complications with anesthesia. […] Gestational diabetes is strongly correlated with and a well-established risk factor for fetal macrosomia. […] Infants born to women with obesity also have an increased risk of hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia. […] After delivery, women with obesity are at an increased risk for endometritis, wound dehiscence after a cesarean section, and venous thrombosis. […] Postpartum women with obesity are also at an increased risk for infection and postpartum depression. […] Weight loss is the most important factor in improving outcomes. […] Making adjustments to diet and exercise level before getting pregnant can improve reproductive and pregnancy outcomes and improve the woman’s overall health. […] The nurse can help the woman identify barriers and find motivators to lead the woman to healthier eating and exercise. […] The nurse should also teach these patients about the need for proper long-term medical care, including screening for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
#103 Home | Supportive Obesity Care
https://supportiveobesitycare.rudd.center.uconn.edu/
Obesity occurs in over 40% of US adults and is recognized as chronic with a complex etiology. Our society can be hostile toward people with high weight, who commonly face judgment, prejudice, and unfair treatment in their daily lives, including the healthcare setting. Weight stigma is harmful to health and well-being and creates barriers to effective patient care. […] Optimal patient care requires an understanding and awareness of weight stigma, its impact on health, and the strategies necessary to reduce bias. […] The goal is simple: to equip healthcare professionals with knowledge and tools to provide more respectful, supportive, and compassionate care to patients of all body sizes. […] Weight stigma is harmful and long-lasting, contributing to emotional distress, poor physical health, and reduced quality of life. This problem extends to the healthcare setting, where weight bias is present and creates barriers to effective patient care. […] Professor Puhl highlights strategies for providing supportive care of people with diverse body sizes. […] This website is for educational purposes only and includes resources to help healthcare professionals deliver supportive and compassionate patient care to people of diverse body sizes.
#104 Home | Supportive Obesity Care
https://supportiveobesitycare.rudd.center.uconn.edu/
Obesity occurs in over 40% of US adults and is recognized as chronic with a complex etiology. Our society can be hostile toward people with high weight, who commonly face judgment, prejudice, and unfair treatment in their daily lives, including the healthcare setting. Weight stigma is harmful to health and well-being and creates barriers to effective patient care. […] Optimal patient care requires an understanding and awareness of weight stigma, its impact on health, and the strategies necessary to reduce bias. […] The goal is simple: to equip healthcare professionals with knowledge and tools to provide more respectful, supportive, and compassionate care to patients of all body sizes. […] Weight stigma is harmful and long-lasting, contributing to emotional distress, poor physical health, and reduced quality of life. This problem extends to the healthcare setting, where weight bias is present and creates barriers to effective patient care. […] Professor Puhl highlights strategies for providing supportive care of people with diverse body sizes. […] This website is for educational purposes only and includes resources to help healthcare professionals deliver supportive and compassionate patient care to people of diverse body sizes.
#105 The Role of Nurses in Supporting Patients with Obesity – PCNA
https://pcna.net/news/the-role-of-nurses-in-supporting-patients-with-obesity/
Nurses can assist patients in addressing not only obesity but also associated comorbidities in a systematic and supportive manner. […] By understanding the pathophysiology of obesity, nurses and other healthcare professionals can collaborate to improve patient outcomes. […] Nurses can recognize and address the impacts of health inequities on access to high-quality care and treatment for obesity to ensure that all patients have equitable opportunities to achieve optimal health. […] Nurses have the opportunity to address personal, institutional, and societal biases of overweight/obese to aid in breaking the cycle of stress-induced unhealthy behaviors.
#106 The Role of Nurses in Supporting Patients with Obesity – PCNA
https://pcna.net/news/the-role-of-nurses-in-supporting-patients-with-obesity/
Nurses can assist patients in addressing not only obesity but also associated comorbidities in a systematic and supportive manner. […] By understanding the pathophysiology of obesity, nurses and other healthcare professionals can collaborate to improve patient outcomes. […] Nurses can recognize and address the impacts of health inequities on access to high-quality care and treatment for obesity to ensure that all patients have equitable opportunities to achieve optimal health. […] Nurses have the opportunity to address personal, institutional, and societal biases of overweight/obese to aid in breaking the cycle of stress-induced unhealthy behaviors.
#107 Nursesâ Role in Obesity Management in Adults in Primary Healthcare Settings Worldwide: A Scoping Review
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/12/17/1700
Despite the need for primary healthcare RNs to provide obesity management, research indicates that they tend to avoid weight-related conversations. One study found that only 42% of individuals with obesity recalled having an RN or doctor address the topic. […] Understanding RNsâ roles in primary healthcare obesity management is necessary to optimize their full scope and practice within a multidisciplinary team. […] More research is needed to determine if barriers associated with RN obesity management require extra education or preparation (pre- and/or post-graduation) to deliver quality care for adults living with obesity and associated physical and mental co-morbidities. […] A well-documented barrier to obesity care is weight bias and stigma in primary healthcare settings where negative outcomes have included intervention avoidance, shorter visits, fewer screenings, missed diagnoses, and patient reports of feeling disrespected, unheard, and unwelcome. […] The use of the tool by RNs needs further exploration, but one preâpost-intervention study with physicians reported a statistically significant uptake of evidence-based obesity care after 5As framework training.
#108 Why Obesity Care Is Out of Reach for Many Older Adults
https://www.ncoa.org/article/older-adults-want-comprehensive-obesity-care/
Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) may be prescribed by a health care provider when someone has one or more mild to moderate weight-related health complications. […] Weight loss or obesity surgery is also known as bariatric and metabolic surgery. […] Obesity treatments can be expensive. […] According to the Medicaid Obesity Treatment Coverage 2024 report from STOP Obesity Alliance, no state fully covered all four pillars of obesity treatment. […] Medicare is prohibited from covering AOMs by federal law due to past safety concerns related to Fen-phen. […] The Affordable Care Act of 2010 expanded coverage by governmental and commercial insurers to defray the costs of obesity surgery, but it still does not address AOMs. […] Treatment options for obesity are limited due to gaps in coverage that make them unaffordable for many older adults.
#109 Why Obesity Care Is Out of Reach for Many Older Adults
https://www.ncoa.org/article/older-adults-want-comprehensive-obesity-care/
Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) may be prescribed by a health care provider when someone has one or more mild to moderate weight-related health complications. […] Weight loss or obesity surgery is also known as bariatric and metabolic surgery. […] Obesity treatments can be expensive. […] According to the Medicaid Obesity Treatment Coverage 2024 report from STOP Obesity Alliance, no state fully covered all four pillars of obesity treatment. […] Medicare is prohibited from covering AOMs by federal law due to past safety concerns related to Fen-phen. […] The Affordable Care Act of 2010 expanded coverage by governmental and commercial insurers to defray the costs of obesity surgery, but it still does not address AOMs. […] Treatment options for obesity are limited due to gaps in coverage that make them unaffordable for many older adults.
#110 Why Obesity Care Is Out of Reach for Many Older Adults
https://www.ncoa.org/article/older-adults-want-comprehensive-obesity-care/
Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) may be prescribed by a health care provider when someone has one or more mild to moderate weight-related health complications. […] Weight loss or obesity surgery is also known as bariatric and metabolic surgery. […] Obesity treatments can be expensive. […] According to the Medicaid Obesity Treatment Coverage 2024 report from STOP Obesity Alliance, no state fully covered all four pillars of obesity treatment. […] Medicare is prohibited from covering AOMs by federal law due to past safety concerns related to Fen-phen. […] The Affordable Care Act of 2010 expanded coverage by governmental and commercial insurers to defray the costs of obesity surgery, but it still does not address AOMs. […] Treatment options for obesity are limited due to gaps in coverage that make them unaffordable for many older adults.
#111 Why Obesity Care Is Out of Reach for Many Older Adults
https://www.ncoa.org/article/older-adults-want-comprehensive-obesity-care/
Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) may be prescribed by a health care provider when someone has one or more mild to moderate weight-related health complications. […] Weight loss or obesity surgery is also known as bariatric and metabolic surgery. […] Obesity treatments can be expensive. […] According to the Medicaid Obesity Treatment Coverage 2024 report from STOP Obesity Alliance, no state fully covered all four pillars of obesity treatment. […] Medicare is prohibited from covering AOMs by federal law due to past safety concerns related to Fen-phen. […] The Affordable Care Act of 2010 expanded coverage by governmental and commercial insurers to defray the costs of obesity surgery, but it still does not address AOMs. […] Treatment options for obesity are limited due to gaps in coverage that make them unaffordable for many older adults.
#112
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13679-021-00444-y
While obesity-related comorbidities are frequently addressed and treated in primary care (PC), obesity itself is undertreated. […] We now understand that the body develops multiple mechanisms to resist weight loss and promote weight regain, making both weight loss and weight loss maintenance challenging. Therefore, weight management often requires medically supervised interventions and should be treated on a long-term basis. However, there are multiple barriers to improving obesity care within PC settings. […] Clinically, utilizing strategies such as a shared decision-making approach and the 5As to discuss treatment options can facilitate formulating an obesity treatment plan. Utilizing telehealth, a team-based approach, and community partnering can increase patient access to intensive behavioral interventions. Future studies should evaluate other cost-effective methods to implement obesity care into the PC setting. […] This review discussed evidence-based interventions obesity treatment in the primary care setting. Our article referenced this article when discussing specific tools that can be utilized to integrate obesity care into the primary care setting.
#113
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13679-021-00444-y
While obesity-related comorbidities are frequently addressed and treated in primary care (PC), obesity itself is undertreated. […] We now understand that the body develops multiple mechanisms to resist weight loss and promote weight regain, making both weight loss and weight loss maintenance challenging. Therefore, weight management often requires medically supervised interventions and should be treated on a long-term basis. However, there are multiple barriers to improving obesity care within PC settings. […] Clinically, utilizing strategies such as a shared decision-making approach and the 5As to discuss treatment options can facilitate formulating an obesity treatment plan. Utilizing telehealth, a team-based approach, and community partnering can increase patient access to intensive behavioral interventions. Future studies should evaluate other cost-effective methods to implement obesity care into the PC setting. […] This review discussed evidence-based interventions obesity treatment in the primary care setting. Our article referenced this article when discussing specific tools that can be utilized to integrate obesity care into the primary care setting.
#114 Reducing Obesity | MedicaidLock(link is external)
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/quality-of-care/quality-improvement-initiatives/reducing-obesity
Approximately one in three U.S. adults and one in six children and adolescents are obese. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can play a role in reducing the rate of obesity in the United States by improving access to health care services that support healthy weight. For children enrolled in Medicaid, the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit covers all medically necessary services which can include obesity-related services. For adults, the states can choose which services to provide, with most states choosing to cover at least one obesity treatment. […] The Affordable Care Act includes several provisions that promote preventive care including obesity-related services and coverage. […] The law calls for states to design public awareness campaigns to educate Medicaid enrollees on the availability and coverage of preventive services, including obesity-related services.
#115 National Consumers League â The Obesity Bill of Rights
https://right2obesitycare.org/
The National Consumers League and National Council on Aging worked with health leaders and obesity specialists to establish a set of rights so people with obesity will be screened, diagnosed, counseled and effectively treated for their overweight and obesity based on medical treatment guidelines. […] For too long, people with obesity have been discriminated against, not treated with respect by their health providers, and have faced significant hurdles to receive obesity care. This is the reason there is an Obesity Bill of Rights so all Americans seeking care will be diagnosed and treated for their obesity regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, and weight status. […] The new Obesity Bill of Rights will ensure that Americans living with obesity have the same respect, attention, and medical care for their disease as those with other chronic conditions.
#116 Significant gaps between science of obesity and the care patients receive | American Heart Association
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/significant-gaps-between-science-of-obesity-and-the-care-patients-receive
More than 40% of adults in the United States live with obesity, and the percentage of people living with obesity continues to increase dramatically. […] Successful treatment for weight loss includes lifestyle modification such as the American Heart Associations Lifes Essential 8 checklist for optimal cardiovascular health, FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, and/or bariatric surgery. […] A comprehensive approach to obesity care should include evidence-based patient care strategies, innovative technology solutions, improved public policy, increased collaboration and education for health care professionals and more data about the cost-effectiveness of obesity prevention and treatment. […] Despite advancements in understanding the complexities of obesity and newer treatment options, major gaps remain between obesity research and real-world implementation in clinical practice.
#117 Significant gaps between science of obesity and the care patients receive | American Heart Association
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/significant-gaps-between-science-of-obesity-and-the-care-patients-receive
Health care professionals and health care systems need to find better ways to put what we know about obesity into action so more people can get the right support and treatment. […] FDA approval and insurance coverage of the latest treatments, including GLP-1 medications, are integral to improving access to care and outcomes for people who need these therapies the most. […] A comprehensive review of studies focused on weight loss surgeries showed that patients who underwent bariatric surgery had lower risks of cardiovascular disease and decreased risks for multiple other obesity-associated conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. […] The statement emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach across different levels of health care delivery and public policy, along with the adoption of feasible, evidence-based strategies in clinical settings. […] The scientific statement also provides possible solutions for how to help people in their day-to-day lives, including interventions with digital technology and access through telemedicine.
#118 Significant gaps between science of obesity and the care patients receive | American Heart Association
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/significant-gaps-between-science-of-obesity-and-the-care-patients-receive
Health care professionals and health care systems need to find better ways to put what we know about obesity into action so more people can get the right support and treatment. […] FDA approval and insurance coverage of the latest treatments, including GLP-1 medications, are integral to improving access to care and outcomes for people who need these therapies the most. […] A comprehensive review of studies focused on weight loss surgeries showed that patients who underwent bariatric surgery had lower risks of cardiovascular disease and decreased risks for multiple other obesity-associated conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. […] The statement emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach across different levels of health care delivery and public policy, along with the adoption of feasible, evidence-based strategies in clinical settings. […] The scientific statement also provides possible solutions for how to help people in their day-to-day lives, including interventions with digital technology and access through telemedicine.
#119 Nursesâ Role in Obesity Management in Adults in Primary Healthcare Settings Worldwide: A Scoping Review
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/12/17/1700
Despite the need for primary healthcare RNs to provide obesity management, research indicates that they tend to avoid weight-related conversations. One study found that only 42% of individuals with obesity recalled having an RN or doctor address the topic. […] Understanding RNsâ roles in primary healthcare obesity management is necessary to optimize their full scope and practice within a multidisciplinary team. […] More research is needed to determine if barriers associated with RN obesity management require extra education or preparation (pre- and/or post-graduation) to deliver quality care for adults living with obesity and associated physical and mental co-morbidities. […] A well-documented barrier to obesity care is weight bias and stigma in primary healthcare settings where negative outcomes have included intervention avoidance, shorter visits, fewer screenings, missed diagnoses, and patient reports of feeling disrespected, unheard, and unwelcome. […] The use of the tool by RNs needs further exploration, but one preâpost-intervention study with physicians reported a statistically significant uptake of evidence-based obesity care after 5As framework training.
#120 Obesity (Nursing) (MHSc/PDip) – University of Galway
https://www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/taught-postgraduate-courses/obesity-mhsc-pdip.html
This masters programme for nurses provides a broad and comprehensive curriculum that is clinically relevant and that also has a strong theoretical basis. […] Obesity is a major health problem, both for affected individuals and for society. […] Our motivation in developing this programme at University of Galway is two-fold: To inform better, evidence-based, compassionate and dignified nursing care to patients affected by obesity and related disorders and secondly to inform better population level strategies to mitigate the obesity epidemic. […] This programme aims to prepare nurses to contribute to obesity nursing practice. The essence of bariatric nursing is the provision of individualised care to affected patients. […] The multi-faceted nature of bariatric nursing in clinical care settings encompasses the whole spectrum of care, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment, as well as chronic disease management.
#121 Obesity (Nursing) (MHSc/PDip) – University of Galway
https://www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/taught-postgraduate-courses/obesity-mhsc-pdip.html
This masters programme for nurses provides a broad and comprehensive curriculum that is clinically relevant and that also has a strong theoretical basis. […] Obesity is a major health problem, both for affected individuals and for society. […] Our motivation in developing this programme at University of Galway is two-fold: To inform better, evidence-based, compassionate and dignified nursing care to patients affected by obesity and related disorders and secondly to inform better population level strategies to mitigate the obesity epidemic. […] This programme aims to prepare nurses to contribute to obesity nursing practice. The essence of bariatric nursing is the provision of individualised care to affected patients. […] The multi-faceted nature of bariatric nursing in clinical care settings encompasses the whole spectrum of care, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment, as well as chronic disease management.
#122 Obesity in Nursing Home Patients: Association with Common Care Problems
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/14/3188
Obesity in Nursing Home Patients: Association with Common Care Problems […] (1) Background: There is not much research about obesity in nursing homes although knowledge will help us to develop customized treatment plans and prevention strategies, which may help to decrease the burden for all persons involved. The objective of conducting this study was to describe the prevalence of obesity and the association between obesity and care problems in nursing home patients. […] (3) Results: In total, 1236 nursing home patients took part, and 16.7% of them were obese. The multivariate logistic regression analysis results show that urinary incontinence is significantly associated with the presence of obesity (OR 2.111). The other care problems of pressure injuries, fecal and double incontinence, physical restraints, falls, and pain were not associated with obesity. […] (4) Conclusions: The results indicate that, in the nursing home setting, healthcare staff should pay special attention to the patientsâ nutritional status and help patients to maintain a healthy weight and prevent a loss of muscle mass and function. […] The care of patients with obesity in nursing homes presents huge challenges for the nursing staff, and not only because patients with obesity require more nursing assistance to perform specific tasks or the use of specific equipment. […] Common care problems, such as incontinence, pressure injuries, or falls, may also be more prevalent among nursing home patients with obesity, increasing the work load among nursing staff. […] Our study results indicate that urinary incontinence is strongly associated with obesity. […] A patient that is both urinary incontinent and obese has an increased need for assistance in performing care tasks, such as toileting and maintaining personal hygiene. […] We found that most of the care problems we measured in our study were not associated with the presence of obesity. […] In the nursing home setting, health care staff should pay special attention to the patientsâ nutritional status. However, the prevention of a loss of muscle mass and function (sarcopenia) is of utmost importance. […] Obesity adds to the burden of care for nursing home staff, but the answer to this problem is in the responsibility of the respective care organizations and should not negatively impact a patientâs health or their quality of life. […] Consequently, obesity should also be discussed in nursing education, enabling nurses to offer the affected people the best possible care and to counteract discrimination against patients with obesity. […] Therefore, we recommend that more nursing research be conducted on obesity and its relation to specific care problems, including larger samples.
#123
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13679-021-00444-y
While obesity-related comorbidities are frequently addressed and treated in primary care (PC), obesity itself is undertreated. […] We now understand that the body develops multiple mechanisms to resist weight loss and promote weight regain, making both weight loss and weight loss maintenance challenging. Therefore, weight management often requires medically supervised interventions and should be treated on a long-term basis. However, there are multiple barriers to improving obesity care within PC settings. […] Clinically, utilizing strategies such as a shared decision-making approach and the 5As to discuss treatment options can facilitate formulating an obesity treatment plan. Utilizing telehealth, a team-based approach, and community partnering can increase patient access to intensive behavioral interventions. Future studies should evaluate other cost-effective methods to implement obesity care into the PC setting. […] This review discussed evidence-based interventions obesity treatment in the primary care setting. Our article referenced this article when discussing specific tools that can be utilized to integrate obesity care into the primary care setting.
#124 Significant gaps between science of obesity and the care patients receive | American Heart Association
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/significant-gaps-between-science-of-obesity-and-the-care-patients-receive
More than 40% of adults in the United States live with obesity, and the percentage of people living with obesity continues to increase dramatically. […] Successful treatment for weight loss includes lifestyle modification such as the American Heart Associations Lifes Essential 8 checklist for optimal cardiovascular health, FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, and/or bariatric surgery. […] A comprehensive approach to obesity care should include evidence-based patient care strategies, innovative technology solutions, improved public policy, increased collaboration and education for health care professionals and more data about the cost-effectiveness of obesity prevention and treatment. […] Despite advancements in understanding the complexities of obesity and newer treatment options, major gaps remain between obesity research and real-world implementation in clinical practice.