Morbid obesity: issues and challenges in home health.
People coping with morbid obesity face many complex issues and challenges, as do the home healthcare providers who care for them. Morbid obesity among adults in the United States has reached epidemic proportions. It is estimated that 1 in 20 Americans has class 3 morbid obesity, also known as extreme obesity (Arterburn, Maciejewski, & Tsevat, 2005). Morbid obesity is on the rise. Understanding the emotional and physical needs of this population allows the home health clinician to optimize the chances for successful outcomes.
Brzezinski
Susan
S
James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA. Susan.Brzezinski@med.va.gov
D015992:Body Mass Index; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D015438:Health Behavior; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology