Promoting behavioral change in overweight and obese people holistically

Abstract

Obesity is an intricate condition influenced by multiple factors that can be classified into environmental, behavioral, and genetic factors. It is the major risk factor of developing multiple non-communicable dis-eases (NCDs), which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This has resulted in an ever-increasing economic burden on different entities. This ripple effect created can be traced back to the individual. Many campaigns, reforms and policies have been set up globally, regionally, and nationally to combat environmental factors. However, the obesogenic population continues to increase exponentially. This reverts to tackling behavioral factors by implementing multi-component interventions that aim at promoting behavioral changes in obese people.

This review aimed to synthesize the literature on how nurses could promote behavioral change in over-weight and obese adults holistically. A combined search was conducted on EBSCO Cinahl and Medline and another in PUBMED databases. The data collected was subjected to a content analysis process that yield-ed two categories: person-centered counseling and assessment, and nursing intervention and support methods.

It was concluded that nurses alongside other medical practitioners play a significant role in monitoring and supporting obese patients. They used multi-modal interventions such as guidance and counseling, follow-up assessment, nutritional management, monitoring physical activity, providing mental health support, and using technology. The findings suggested that behavioral adherence could be improved by motivation through follow-up, promoting self-efficacy on obese people, integrating psychological and lifestyle support, and finally technological advancement.