Adult obesity is a major health concern in the
United States. Adults who are overweight or obese are at higher risk for
chronic illnesses, which include hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular
disease. In addition, obesity significantly contributes to increased healthcare
costs. Rural adults experience higher rates of obesity as well as
correspondingly elevated mortality and morbidity than their urban counterparts.
The United States Preventative Task Force provides recommendations for
addressing adult obesity. However, if these resources are not available in
rural communities, nurse practitioners cannot follow these recommendations. A
cross-sectional study was conducted with rural Missouri nurse practitioners.
Findings showed although nurse practitioners feel obesity has a negative impact
on the health of their patients, resources are limited to address obesity in
their population.
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Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (2014) Missouri’s Nursing Workforce 2014. http://health.mo.gov/living/families/primarycare/pdf/Missouri NursingWorkforce.pdf
