CE: The obesity epidemic, part 1: understanding the origins.
The obesity epidemic remains a significant health problem in the United States and worldwide, with multiple associated physical and societal costs. To contribute to obesity's treatment and prevention, nurses must be conversant in a wide range of theoretical and clinical perspectives on the problem. This article, the first in a two-part series, defines the terms used in the treatment of obesity and outlines pathophysiologic, psychological, and social factors that influence weight control. Part 2, which will appear in next month's issue, presents a theoretical framework that can be used to guide nursing assessment of both patient and family, thereby informing intervention.
Geraldine M. Budd is an associate professor and assistant dean for the Harrisburg campus in the Widener University School of Nursing, Harrisburg, PA, and Jane Anthony Peterson is a clinical associate professor in the School of Nursing and Health Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Contact author: Geraldine M. Budd, gmbudd@widener.edu. The authors and planners have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004496:Education, Continuing; D058872:Epidemics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D015995:Prevalence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult