Obesity and shift work in hospital setting.

dscrn · Apr 7, 2010

One part of the equation is lackof sleep...your body produces leptin(fulness hormone) while you sleep...3-4 hrs at a tme not enough.

ronsrn · Apr 7, 2010

There are many reasons this may be happening to you- i am a 47 yr old RN who has battled weifght since my early 30's - I used to work a shift that was 2 12 hour days followed immediatley by 2 12 hour nights then 4 days off - the flip flopping is not good for your body and as far as bad eating habits how could you get any worst on a shedule like that- you need to make a life change concentrate on eating well - calorie intake vs calorie usage - get sleep -and try to excercise 3-5 times a week - i have lost 40 ilbs in 5 months so im winning my battle -good luck with yours

loriangel14, RN · Apr 7, 2010

I have no advice but I can sympathize.Yeah I am in the same boat as you, working eves, nights and days sometimes within 10 days or so. I have always battled my weight and I am diabetic on top of that. You end up on the same merry-go-round. Sleeping and eating when ever you can. Now that the weather is getting nicer I have been trying to get outside and walk more often but it is tough. We need a support group.lol

netglow, ASN, RN · Apr 7, 2010

OP, I don't know how you could deal either. If I were in your shoes I'd try to just walk outside, as the weather gets warm on the days you get home in daylight. If hubby is home maybe you two could walk after dark.

I've started a major workout thing so hopefully I'll be more built for speed for a new job. Easier to keep up with it if you are already hooked.

Ellekat · Apr 7, 2010

I gained 30 lbs in one month after returning to the night shift 7 years ago. I would skip the evening meal because I didn't feel well, not get a break during the night and be too tired to eat in the AM. I did eat on my days off and I guess the combo of nothing/eating did me in. I've leveled off and only gained 10 more in the intervening years, but exercise and moderation in diet aren't enough when you work at night. Now I work twelves, and the additional time on my feet has made it hard to exercise (I walked an hour a day on eights). Swimming does help with conditioning, but doesn't seem to make a difference with weight. I have three years until my youngest in out of school and just hope my body holds out that long.

pussycat66 · Apr 7, 2010

I'm in a similar boat to you and am now into my 40's. The answer I think is exercise but like you say WHEN? Thing is we've got to be honest with ourselves and use "idle" time to move. My health is suffering now & i'd like to make it to retirement & enjoy any Grandchildren I may have by then. Good luck :clown:

BluegrassRN · Apr 7, 2010

I'm in the same boat. I've been trying to eat better and I've started running.

Part of this is simply age--it's easier to lose weight when you are younger. Part of it, though, is attitude. I have this self-defeating attitude when it comes to diet and exercise...I'm always going to start tomorrow. So, I finally started somewhat-regularly exercising; I'm running in a 4 mile race on Sunday, and I've got to pick a race for sometime after that, to keep me going.

Unfortunately, despite running a 2-3 miles 2-3 times a week, I haven't lost any weight. I thought I would, since I have 40-50 to lose. Sooo, yesterday I started actually watching my diet. I *hate* having to watch my diet, but I guess I just can't eat anything and everything anymore.

It *is* more difficult on nights, with that sleep schedule and flip-flopping; but really, it's ALWAYS difficult for me. Night shift is just an excuse, for me.

Rabid Response · Apr 7, 2010

I've gained twenty pounds in three years of working night shifts. What's more, I cannot seem to take it off very easily. One week I consumed only 1000 calories a day and barely lost 3 pounds. Then last year I had two weeks off for vacation (during which I flipped back to a daytime schedule) and I lost 5 pounds without even dieting or exercising, so I totally blame night shift. I think I can maybe do this for another year without completely disintigrating.

JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2010

I think it's pretty common for stuff like that to happen when you throw your body out of it's normal rhythm. There's a reason for the old joke: What's the difference between a night nurse and an elephant? About 10 pounds.

Before you all jump on my, I'm a night nurse who needs to lose about 40 myself. I'm did Atkins for 10 days, lost 8 lbs, then went off and have continued to lose 17 lbs since the beginning of the year. I stopped drinking soda (diet and the full sugar sort) and cut way back on my chocolate consumption, as well as cutting out french fries. I still eat at the drive through a lot, but I get grilled chicken sandwiches instead of quarter pounders. I haven't started exercising yet, but that's coming up next on the list of lifestyle changes.

Good luck to you.

Sonjailana · Apr 7, 2010

I find when I'm really overtired it can be hard to read my body's signals. It can be hard to tell if I'm hungry or just tired.

royhanosn · Apr 7, 2010

either your hospital is short of staff, or the manager (used to call them head nurses), does not know what they are doing (I was going to say something else, but this is a clean forum). If your unionized, call a meeting of your steward! If not, you need a meet with the boss lady/man!

this is NOT doing your health any good. Your screwing your body mechanics up! I am surprised you did not write about being sick! OR get a job in another hospital