Obesity is a complex and misunderstood disease affecting more than 2 out of 5 Americans. A common narrative about obesity is that those who struggle with it choose to have it, or that it’s their fault that they have it, when that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Nurses can struggle with obesity due to occupational challenges, such as irregular work schedules, stressful environments, and limited options for healthy meals.
Living with obesity can be difficult sometimes, but there are options nurses can take to care for themselves and live their lives to the fullest. Obesity care can include flexibility, support from others, and recognizing subtle, yet negative triggers that have derailed nurses from living healthy lives.
What is Obesity?
Many of us have heard of obesity at some point or another, but haven’t seen a clear definition that defines what it means besides what we hear from our peers or the media.
Obesity is a chronic disease that impacts anyone with too much body fat, or having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
Being obese isn’t only a problem of needing to lose weight or being too heavy. Those with obesity deal with other health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, sleep apnea, and certain cancers.
When an obese person attempts to lose weight or eat healthier, they often encounter stigma and misconceptions that can be more harmful than helpful.
Our weight loss culture puts shame and blame on individuals instead of societal factors that have influenced weight gain, such as easy access to ultra-processed food, sleep deprivation, and stress from situations out of our control. Nurses who do shift work experience these same risks and are more likely to be obese, especially those working regular night shifts.
If you are obese or know someone who is, you likely understand that blaming individuals for their condition isn’t effective. Accusing someone of “bad behavior” as the reason for their health issues can lead to a loss of motivation and may cause them to give up on their efforts to become healthier.
It’s easier to see obesity for what it is— a chronic disease that impacts the body, not the mind. Somewhere along the way, signals in the body that regulate weight and appetite become out of sync, leading to excessive weight gain through the accumulation of fat deposits. When those with obesity realize that their weight gain isn’t a personal failing, it can be a huge relief, and even give them the space to know that they’re not at fault.
How Nurses Can Become Healthier
Nurses who deal with obesity have several treatment options available for them. One option is to ask a doctor about a tailored treatment plan that’s right for them.
Nurses can also ensure that the doctor they consult is compassionate and willing to listen to their concerns. Some medical providers aren’t up to date on the latest research on obesity and advise patients to “eat healthier and exercise,” when what patients need are small, concrete goals they can achieve through collaboration and understanding.
You can also reach out to a dietitian for help on how to eat healthier. Different types of foods impact us in different ways when it comes to fats, carbs, and protein.
A dietitian can also help you create a personalized eating plan instead. Diets can often emphasize cutting out certain foods to achieve faster weight loss results, but long-term weight loss is more successful when you choose foods that you enjoy and are healthy (think of veggies and fruits that aren’t too unappetizing to eat).
Support systems are also a significant tool that can help people with obesity. Nurses who are overweight or obese can look to their employers and communities and see what care options they have.
For nurses, some healthier choices can be:
- Buying vegetables and fruits from the hospital cafeteria
- Accessing hospital exercise equipment or walking tracks
- Take breaks every day when available
This principle also applies to employers. It takes a community to support a caring environment, which includes leaders ensuring that nurses have sufficient breaks to eat well, rest from stressful patient situations, and take enough time to fully decompress.
It’s also important to know that dealing with obesity isn’t a quick fix solution. Although there are weight loss medications that can be a breakthrough for many with obesity, they’re expensive and not available to the majority of people who need them.
Since obesity is a chronic disease, finding the right solution for you can involve trying various approaches, such as medication, exercise, a healthy diet, and seeking out people who will motivate you along the way. It can be challenging, but the reward is worth it to feel better and have a stronger body.
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