Abstract

Objective: With an epidemic as severe as obesity, it is paramount that healthcare professionals be aware of the overarching negative effects the disease can contribute to the human body. If constructive dialogue can be achieved between patient and provider without suspicion of bias or judgment, we would potentially experience an elevated willingness of patients to follow treatment steps.

Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. “Most of the world's population live in countries where overweight and obesity kills more people than underweight” (WHO, 2021). “More than 4 in 10 Americans are obese now” (Gordon, More than 4 in 10 Americans are now obese: CDC 2020).

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using several different databases. The databases used for this search were the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database accessed through the University of Texas at Tyler school library resources. A total of three randomized control trials and three systematic reviews were selected.

Conclusion: By evaluating research evidence it is apparent that the responsibility of addressing patient weight loss as a healthcare provider presents an exigent task. Simply telling a patient that they need to lose weight or that they need to decrease caloric intake is not enough for the patient to be motivated and for long-term maintenance. Having patients comfortable with talking about weight loss with a provider in a nonjudgement zone and discussing treatment options, maintenance, and giving personalized nutrition packets to patients may be more efficient with decreasing a patient’s BMI overall.

Date of publication

Spring 4-2023

Document Type

MSN Capstone Project

Language

english

Persistent identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/10950/4199

Degree

MSN

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