the number of over-weight and obese nurses continues to increase

FutureCRNA?, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2013

13 years ago I was an obese nurse with celiac sprue. I went from size 16 to 6 with exercise and healthy carbs.

Wow, you've kept that weight off for 13 years? That's amazing since how often does that happen - something like 1% or 2% of the time? I think it's usually gained back within 5 years or less.

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Aug 9, 2013

Who know Blue devil was such a softie.

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 9, 2013

13 years ago I was an obese nurse with celiac sprue. I went from size 16 to 6 with exercise and healthy carbs. I haven't looked back since. Knees stopped hurting, liver enzymes improved, cholesterol improved, good bp, edema went away, heart burn stopped, depression improved, heart palpitations improved, let's just say I am now living instead of feeling like I was dying.

Congratulations! That's great. We need more people like you to share their stories -- to inspire the rest of us and remind us that it IS possible.

I am well on my way to a healthier weight -- but I still have a bit to go to get to your level. 6 years ago, at the age of 52, I developed Type 2 diabetes and got serious about MY health. I started eating better (lower carb, but extremely low carb) and exercising regularly. I've had a few set-backs along the way, but I continue to make progress. So far:

1. I have lost 52 pounds

2. Gone from a size 18-20 to a size 14 petite

3. NEVER needed meds for my diabetes (now officially merely "insulin resistent")

4. Lowered my blood pressure meds

5. Still take meds for cholesterol -- but have beautiful lab results in that area

I'd like to lose another 15 pounds or so, but have hit a plateau this summer. Thanks for the inspiration.

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Aug 11, 2013

Good for you for recognizing that weight loss!

It doesn't have anything to do with being "soft" as I was accused later the the thread BTW.

Research demonstrates that patients overwhelmingly dislike having their weight addressed by providers. There is a lot of good data on this, I'm too lazy to pubmed this for those of you that are interested, but it's out there. However, failure to address overweight/obesity as a risk factor amounts to malpractice. Therefore, the best way to approach it, IMO, is as one would any other chronic medical condition: this is the problem, this is the goal, this is how we (i.e. you/the pt) get there.

I don't judge people for failing to meet the goal. I don't suffer the consequences, they do. I will celebrate with them, however, because I am genuinely pleased for them. When they succeed, I succeed. However, I don't feel that a patient's failure achieve a healthy body weight is my failure, unless I failed to address it!

Unfortunately, with weight loss, there isn't much providers can do except support/encourage. Unless one is a candidate for and interested in bariatric surgery, there aren't really any other good options for medical support regarding weight loss. Much of that has to be intrinsic, and it is hard for some people.

If the patient is embarrassed, feels attacked or belittled regarding weight issues, they are more likely to be lost to care and then we will have failed. One needs to be sensitive, but it MUST be addressed. I am not going to ignore "the elephant in the room" when the obese patient has back pain, knee pain, HTN, dyslipidemia, elevated glucose, etc. Meds to cover up all those issues is not the real answer. It may in fact be necessary, but the truth will not go unsaid in my exam room. It will be spoken with sensitivity and respect, but I'm honest with my patients, even if some of the truths are unpleasant to them.

allnurses Guide · Aug 11, 2013

Interesting results:

Bleich, S. N., Gudzune, K. A., Bennett, W. L., Jarlenski, M. P., & Cooper, L. A. (2013). How does physician BMI impact patient trust and perceived stigma?. Preventive medicine.

pinkiepieRN · Aug 14, 2013

OP, care to cite what articles have influenced your opinion?