Strategies for Obesity Management in Nursing: A Report

This report examines the critical role of nurses in managing and preventing obesity within communities. It highlights the importance of patient education, empathy, and compassion in addressing this health issue. The report emphasizes the need for nurses to provide management advice and support to individuals, especially those with co-morbid conditions and those at risk. It references the work of Dr. Peter Attia and the importance of translating research into practice, supported by positive reinforcement. The report also discusses the prevalence of obesity and the need for effective strategies to improve patient outcomes. The report also highlights the significance of the nurse's role in managing obesity, focusing on both those with existing conditions and those at risk, ensuring that nurses are equipped to provide comprehensive care and support.

Running head: NURSING
Nursing
Name of student:
Name of university:
Author note:

1NURSING
Health issues at the population level are of key concern for nurses who are responsible
for addressing the needs of the community through optimal quality care delivery. The health
issue that the community is facing at present is obesity. According to Skinner et al., (2016)
obesity is an adverse health condition faced by individuals across the globe where the chances of
patient mortality are high. Strategies are required at the earliest that can effectively address the
needs of the community and ensure that the patient outcomes are better.
The role of nurses in the management and prevention of obesity is distinct. At the core of
nursing management and prevention of obesity among individuals across the community lies
patient education. Nurses, as part of the primary care process, must engage in effective
discussion with the individuals to increase their awareness level regarding obesity. This group of
healthcare professionals is supposed to offer management advice on how to combat the
increasing rates of obesity. Specifically, the role of nurses can be divided into two clear
attributes. Firstly, the nurse is to provide obesity management to those who are suffering from
co-morbid conditions and visit chronic disease clinics. The other role would be to introduce the
issue with individuals who are healthy and overweight (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2015).
Upon analyzing the problems, that my colleagues have shared in the context of their
communities, it is to be concluded that the problems shared are similar. Reports of obesity and
diabetes have been increasingly pointed out in the recent times in different communities of the
country.
Dr Peter Attia in his TedTalk titled “Is the obesity crisis hiding a bigger problem?” had
highlighted that empathy and compassion are the two most critical elements of care delivered to
those suffering from conditions such as obesity (Attia, 2013). Considering the suggestion of Dr

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Attia, it is to be stated that the system and community level interventions for addressing health
issues in respective communities are to be built upon patient care compassion and empathy. Care
professionals are to fulfill their role governed by a better understanding of the opinions and
viewpoints of the patients and those who are at risk of developing the condition. Further
translation of ongoing research into practice would be effective and completed in a timely
manner if individuals are motivated to contribute maximally. This will again be fostered if they
receive positive reinforcement.

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References
Attia, P. (2013). Is the obesity crisis hiding a bigger problem?. Retrieved from
https://www.ted.com/talks/peter_attia_what_if_we_re_wrong_about_diabetes/transcript?
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Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2015). Public Health Nursing-E-Book: Population-Centered
Health Care in the Community. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Skinner, A. C., Perrin, E. M., & Skelton, J. A. (2016). Prevalence of obesity and severe obesity
in US children, 1999‐2014. Obesity, 24(5), 1116-1123.