A Holistic Approach to Weight Management Plan

A Holistic Approach to Weight Management Plan

Introduction

Obesity may be defined as an excess of body fat, contributing to co morbidity. It is a common problem in the developed countries and persists to be a common problem in the developing countries. Obesity is customarily measured in terms of BMI or body mass index. A BMI equal to 25kg/m2 or greater than this figure comes under obesity.

Obesity is associated with increased prevalence of hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease, hypertension fatty liver and diabetes mellitus.

Weight reduction can be achieved with a reduction in caloric intake and an increase in physical activity. A crucial issue arises in dealing with patients with different cultural backgrounds, where linguistics proposes to be a barrier in communication. For such patients, it is necessary to develop such health plans, which can guide them easily, towards a purposeful goal in maintenance of their health condition, as well as bridge the barriers between the patient and the health care professionals in maintaining a healthy relationship.

Discussion

Obesity is one of the most common problems leading to various health issues. The first and the foremost issue related to obesity are hypertension and hyperlipidemia, i.e. increase in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The existing case history of the patient requires a proper framework which encourages him to reduce weight. The nursing consultation is therefore adequate space to influence the nutrition, physical activity and styles of life. (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007.)

The nursing framework for helping an obese patient requires the following;

Target population for obesity: Adults with a BMI = 25 and children with 2 percentiles of weight over height.

Objectives: Detection and management of patients with obesity. Unify criteria for action in the nursing appointments

Patient history: A complete family and personal history of the patient should be taken by the nurse, including history of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemias. Alcohol consumption and snuff usage should be highlighted. Diet and exercise routine should be noted down, assessment of cardiovascular risk factors, social and family situation and work analysis should be covered while taking patient history. Age of onset of the disease, type of obesity, Environment, habits and preferences regarding food should be noted. Psychological state, attitude towards obesity and motivation to lose weight should be the target of the health care partner.

Physical Examination: Taking BP and heart rate. Measuring body circumferences e.g.(waist, hips, Weight, height and BMI calculation.)

Nursing diagnosis is based on the observations ...