Nursing Theories And Obesity

It cannot be denied that obesity is a growing problem in today’s modern society. Individuals with obesity face many complications in their lives, such as heart complications, diabetes, osteoarthritis and of course, early mortality. However, the astonishing thing is that obesity is a preventable disease. According to (the Department of Health, 2005, p.6), 39% of Irish adults are overweight, and 18% are classified as obese. The main factors in causing obesity are poor diet, lack of activity and family genetics. Poor diet and lack of activity can easily be prevented, thus combatting obesity and improving the family genetics for future generations. The report (Obesity, a growing problem?, 2011, p. 2) illustrates that the causes of obesity are characterised as a natural reaction to an un-natural situation. The nurse has an important role in obesity prevention. Nurses, with their advanced care and medical knowledge can make a significant difference to the lives of those who are obese. This topic was chosen because the epidemic of obesity is growing increasingly more serious for a disease that can be prevented.

Heintze, C., Sonntag, U., Brinck, A., Huppertz, M., Niewöhner, J., Wiesner, J., & Braun, V. (2012). A qualitative study on patients' and physicians' visions for the future management of overweight or obesity. Family Practice, 29(1), 103-109. doi:10.1093/fampra/cmr051

The theory of weight management explores the statistics behind obesity in various cultures and environments within the United States (Pickett, Peters, & Jarosz, 2014). This theory, derived from the theory of self-care, can be classified as descriptive due to the theory’s observational and informative nature. In the theory of weight management, the researchers discuss their findings; individuals need motivational input for weight loss, personal perspectives regarding obesity play a large role in weight control, and factors such as nutrition and exercise are largely influenced by one’s family and society. The authors conclude that the largest percentage of obese individuals living in the United States can be located within the African American female population. The hope for the

Adler, N. E., & Stewart, J. (2009). Reducing Obesity: Motivating Action While Not Blaming the Victim. Milbank Quarterly, 87(1), 49-70. doi:10.1111/j.1468- 0009.2009.00547.x

Obesity is a growing problem and concern in American households today. However it cannot be narrowed down to one main problem. The most prominent underlying issues are psychological and environmental. These issues in turn create deteriorating health and economic problems degrading one’s self-esteem.

Reducing the problem of obesity; there must be an organized educational, political and legislation movement that is supported at the community level. Information from evidence-based practices used by nurses, health care providers, and other collaborators like dieticians, physical therapists, and social workers help the client to achieve a more favorable outcome. These interventions focus on diet, exercise, and behavior modification should be encouraged by nurses. Giving the client the power to identify the factors that contribute to excess food intake, can help the client to eliminate or reduce causes. Establishing realistic weight loss goals and exercise / activity objectives like losing bodyweight 1-2 lb./week increase the likelihood of success, assessing the client’s knowledge and discuss well-balanced diet plans plays major role teaching about diet plans. Discussing behavior modification strategies, such as self-monitoring and environmental management can provide client is the reinforcement that is needed. (Pearson, 2015) Continuing assessment is necessary not only to evaluate the safety or weight loss strategies but also reinforce positive benefits of weight loss. Including families and other stakeholders, such as schools, parks, private partners and politicians at all levels, we can make the obesity issue a focus for change. (John, F., & Kirsten, P., 2014). For programs like this to be successful, outcomes should not

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012), "more than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) are obese." This fact effectively underscores the seriousness of the issue at hand. Further, it means that obesity is affecting millions of people in the U.S. alone (either directly or indirectly). As McKnight (2006) points out, one of the leading causes of death in America is physical inactivity. Physical inactivity coupled with other factors has been branded a leading cause of obesity. Every day, people die from obesity related diseases including but not limited to hypertension and heart disease as others have their social lives greatly inhibited by the condition. In the recent past, debate has been rife on whether obesity should be branded a disease or a factor contributing to ill health. Whether classified as a disease or a factor contributing to ill health, the epidemic remains one of the main preventable causes of death not only in the U.S. but also across the world. In the modern day, both comfort and convenience have come to be regarded top human priories. In pursuance of these two "ideals", healthy living has seemingly taken a backseat. A sedentary lifestyle coupled with poor eating habits is slowly making America a fat nation and as a result, we are slowly gravitating towards poor health. It is this trend that is making obesity synonymous with disease. Obesity is however not a disease but one of the many factors that contribute to ill health.

The Health and Social Care Information Centre [HSCIC] (2016) report that obesity prevalence in the UK has increased by 11% between 1996 and 2016, with 58% of women and 65% of men being overweight or obese. The World Health Organisation (2016) define obesity as the disproportionate build-up of fat that could harm an individual’s health. Obesity is measured using Body Mass Index (BMI). An individual’s BMI is measured using an individual’s weight and height, by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in metres. If an individual has a BMI higher than 30, they are classified as obese (NHS, 2016).

In this assignment, I will critically appraise obesity and reflect on the implications this has in paediatric nursing. I will consider government response to this issue and critically appraise the Obesity Plan, as well as discussing the recommendations from the bold and brave document prior to the plan. I will be reflecting on how this issue impacts upon children’s nurses now and in the future taking into consideration the impacts of policy implementation.

Obesity is associated with a number of long term conditions which place significant burden on individuals. The growing issue of obesity can be slowed down, if society focuses on the effects of obesity. Concentrating on psychological problems, health problems and social care, overtime, obesity can be decreased and lead to a healthier

This topic of obesity has been a rising issue for many years. There are many different reasons and predictions as to why the number for this disease is rising in America. Recent epidemiologic studies of diet and health outcomes including obesity have changed the focus to the overall diet quality and dietary pattern instead of single nutrients, such as dietary fat (Hu et al, 2000; Fung et al, 2001a, 2001b). The process starts with the lack of physical exercise and the food that people eat. As Americans, we need to picture more healthier foods to eat, have more physical activity to help food digest easier and faster. According to Campbell “to date, interventions have focused on improving the more amenable determinants of obesity: physical inactivity

Obesity is a disorder where a person has stored so much body fat that it will have a harmful effect on their health and it leads to weight-related health complications such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, certain cancers, diabetes, and liver disease. Obesity in America is getting worse. More than 70 percent of Americans are either obese or overweight, and obesity rates have increased for all population groups in the United States over the last several decades. According to the article "Understanding the American Obesity Epidemic" from the American Heart Association website, nearly 78 million adults and 13 million children deal with the health and emotional effects of obesity every day

Nowadays, obesity is a common medical condition, especially in Western countries and North America. There has been a rapid increase in obesity in America in recent decades. According to The World Health Organization, there were more than 700 million people who were obese in 2008, and the rate of obesity has almost doubled in 30 years, between 1980 and 2010. Although obesity is not a dangerous disease, it is a major factor in other serious diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart attack. There are many possible solutions which could lead to a decrease in the obesity rate, such as diet plans, boot-camps, weight loss drinks, hypnotherapy or even surgery. However, one of the best ways to prevent obesity is to practice a healthy lifestyle

Obesity has caused great dilemma in America. It was known as an adult disease. “Over two thirds of adults are over weight or obese.”(Obesity, Jerry R Ballenttne) these numbers are increasing rapidly. Obesity is not just a appearance

Obesity has become an epidemic in our over indulgent North American society. In addition to body image issues, obesity causes significant health issues. Society often views obesity to be a disease when it is actually a sign of a disorder, genetic or environmental. The percentage of our population that is growing overweight is increasing every year, and can become a very serious issue if it is not dealt with urgently. Problems relating to self-confidence, self-consciousness, and isolation can occur as a result.