Too FAT to be a nurse?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I just recently got accepted into a BSN and ADN program. I have worked as a medical assistant for a busy pediatric practice for several years now. My worry is that I've seen so pretty negative comments in regards to overweight or obese nurses. Should I put everything I worked so hard for on hold to "lose weight"?

Some people just have an awful way of expressing themselves. Some are just bitter and like to put others down to feel better about themselves, and some mean well and are just concerned about the health issues that being overweight brings. No, there isn't a ton of research out there for the BENEFITS of being overweight and theres a reason for that. So losing it should be for the purpose of bettering your life. Now to put school on hold to lose weight - thats a bad idea. To create a healthier lifestyle you have to figure out how to turn your CURRENT life into a healthier one. If you just focus solely on losing weight instead of changing your whole lifestyle, theres a good chance it will come back after you hit your goal.

Now for the record, Im one of those people that can eat a chip and automatically expand - it SUCKS. So staying fit is a lifelong journey. Going to the gym is next to impossible sometimes in the middle of a semester so I make it a point to just get up earlier and go for a 2 mile run with dog. Having him around and knowing he needs his exercise anyways gives me motivation for the days that I want to crawl back in bed. What has also helped me is stocking my house with "healthier" snacks/foods (healthier doesnt mean less tasty just experiment!) - if its not there I cant eat it :). Good luck and keep chipping away at your nursing dream!

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I think there is a difference in being overweight and being totally unfit. Skinney people can suffer from lack of physical conditioning and inabilty to work for long hours on their feet and do physical work, just as well as heavy people. When I was single I had a roommate who was close to 300lbs but could run circles around anyone her age! Being a large woman didnt hinder her physically!

I am also a fat person, no problem saying I am 5'4 and 175. As soon as I started working the floor during clinicals I dropped 10 lbs in one month. ( yippie)

I would not put your dream on hold, never never! Go for it and you will loose weight in your own good time...:)

In the long term, I think us being heavier definately has its disadvantages physically, but dont let that deter you from your dream. Your heart and mind matters most in nursing, not how good you look in scrubs! ( wink)

I think previous posters who suggested healthy snacks and lifestyle changes are right on point...take their advice.

Best of luck to you!

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When I was a CNA I went to take care of this resident. I was very over weight (287). He took one look at me and said, "Whoa, she's big!" I've lost 120 pounds since then. I'm still full figured but I'm happy at this weight I'm at (165-170's at 5'5)

Never put your education on whole just because of a few comments someone said. Working out and then studying I've noticed helped me study.

Good luck!

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Only reason I'm bringing this back to life is because I actually googled this question. I'm big too and I plan to lose it but I was scared I'm too "fat" to be a nurse but hey, these comments made me feel better. Btw: There are fat doctors. My grandmother's podiatrist was very overweight from what I remember and it didn't stop him from doing his job.

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Congrats on your acceptances and no don't hold back your school plan! If you feel like losing some weight for life style changes and to become more healthy do so. People can say whatever they want to say.

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Specializes in Rehab, pediatrics.

I am about 50 pounds over weight and just finished school in the last year. I've been overweight my whole life so I think that's why I don't let it bother me as much. But at the same time I don't find myself that unhealthy either. I know I need to lose weight and I know I need portion control but that doesn't stop me from doing my job and being a good nurse in my opinion. I eat healthy (most of the time) and I workout (including running 5ks weekly). I just like food and eat too much. I also don't have any health issues, but if I did then I do think school would be a different story. I would not give up on school unless a health issue arises that is too hard to work around. Also people are going to make comments, but they're going to make comments even if you're skinny too... Just ignore it because you're going to be a great nurse either way. (:

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Specializes in Ambulatory Care, Rheumatology.
kayseadeecee, BSN Running ONE 5k is a personal goal! There is SUCH a gap between knowing and doing. I wish that gap was spoken to more often.
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