Currently, more than 50% of adults are overweight. Additional weight puts them at risk of stroke, kidney disease, and certain cancers. Patients with obesity may require assistance to reach their weight reduction objectives, but finding the courage to discuss their weight is challenging. Therefore, as a future nurse practitioner, I am responsible for discussing weight loss with my patients because it can encourage behavior change.
The first step to raising the topic of obesity is to allow them to talk about the main health concerns affecting their emotional and physical health, such as family problems. Then I would raise the topic of weight in a non-judgmental and respectful way. It is appropriate to consider their cultural differences in favorite foods and weight (Kahan & Manson, 2019). Respecting the patients might make them more open about their weight.
Obesity can result in other health effects among the adult population. The possible health implications include heart diseases, colon and breast cancer, stroke, and type 2 diabetes (van der Valk et al., 2019). Obesity is linked to specific comorbidities, especially hypertension. Physiological alterations that obesity-related hypertension brings about must be taken into account while caring for overweight hypertensive patients. In hypertensive, obese patients, increasing physical activity and losing weight will aid blood pressure regulation.
Finally, my role as a future nurse practitioner is to find the most appropriate approach to allow my patients to open about their extra weight. I am also responsible for collaborating with the patient to create a plan, such as a weight-loss program, to meet their needs. I will refer patients with associated comorbidities to multicomponent and intensive interventions such as lifestyle counseling and programs.
References
Kahan, S., & Manson, J. E. (2019). Obesity treatment, beyond the guidelines: Practical suggestions for clinical practice. Jama, 321(14), 1349-1350.
van der Valk, E. S., van den Akker, E. L., Savas, M., Kleinendorst, L., Visser, J. A., Van Haelst, M. M., & van Rossum, E. F. (2019). A comprehensive diagnostic approach to detect underlying causes of obesity in adults. Obesity reviews, 20(6), 795-804.