Question

a predominant risk factor for health is obesity, which is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, most prevalent in the pediatric population. the state of Mississippi is known as one of the most obese states in the entire nation. As a nurse, why should this be of pressing concern in Mississippi? What concepts of obesity need to be taken into consideration? How will you contribute to addressing this multi-faceted health issue?

Answer 1

1.Obesity is a disorder involving excessive body fat that increases the risk of health problems.
Obesity often results from taking in more calories than are burned by exercise and normal daily activities.

Mississippi has consistently been ranked among the top states with the highest rates of child obesity. Because of the significant consequences of obesity, including higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke and depression, this situation is of great concern.

Mississippi has the highest rate of childhood obesity in the nation. Nearly half of Mississippi children are overweight or obese. Children as young as eight years old are being treated for Type II diabetes and high cholesterol. This was unheard of just a decade ago. The idea that our children will be sicker, and die younger, than their parents is not acceptable.

Health professionals define overweight as a body-mass index (BMI) between 25.0 and 29.9, and obesity as a BMI of 30 or higher. (BMI is a measure of weight that takes height into consideration.Most people who are overweight or obese show potentially unhealthy changes in metabolism. These include high blood pressure or high cholesterol, which damage arteries in the heart and elsewhere. Another harmful metabolic change is resistance to the hormone insulin, which leads to high blood sugar. As a result, people who are overweight or obese are usually at high risk for having a heart attack or stroke, developing type 2 diabetes, or suffering from a host of other life-changing conditions.also with metabolic healthy obesity includes high BMI with following charecteristics

a waist size of no more than 40 inches for a man or 35 inches for a woman
normal blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
normal sensitivity to insulin
good physical fitness

Educating patients and families on nutrition, the health care system, and obesity-related illnesses.

act as personalized counselors by helping patients identify their health goals and develop plans to achieve them. A healthy diet is a key component to reducing weight and overall health.

work closely with people to provide education on healthier choices that help patients feel they have options for nutrition.

Also work with individuals on the health challenges they face, which may be different for everyone. All forms of exercise complement a healthy diet in maintaining a weight that minimizes adverse outcomes.

recommends regular physical activity on most days of the week. For some, this may mean low impact activity while others may embrace exercise of higher intensity. The most important feature of any exercise plan to maintain a healthy weight is that it is done consistently.

provide support to help a patient identify a safe and effective activity plan that they will stick with. These personal interactions and individual care can be even more beneficial as family and communities get involved. Helping teach one patient some healthy choices can in turn help a whole family.

Should know the risks that stem from obesity, and can educate patients on the more scientific elements of this health issue. By explaining to patients how obesity can turn into diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer, they are better able to see benefits of making healthier choices.

Promoting change.
Nurses promote change by explaining the risk factors that come with obesity. Walking patients through their increased health risks like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and mental health challenges can help them understand that changes can be in the patient’s best interest.food play amajor role care of obese patients.avoid fastfood and unhealthu foods.

Weight loss practices

Encourage the patients to do daily activities, or aerobic exercise for a good health.

Patient Advocacy
Patient advocacy involves individuals and groups coming together to advocate for healthy lifestyles. A patient-centered approach helps care providers to understand what will best meet patient needs

For preventing child obesity

•advocating for the promotion increased physical activity

•Supporting efforts to preserve and enhance parks, to develop walking and bicycle paths, and to promote the use of physical activity opportunities by families.

•Engaging families with parental obesity in prevention activities

•Encouraging parenting styles that support increased physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviours

•Encouraging parental modelling of healthy dietary choices.Prevention, early detection and the appropriate treatment is essential for obesitu prevention.

School health nurse can also modify the diet paln and regular teaching of exercise in the school is necessary.