NURS FPX 8045 Assessment 5 Nursing Project Proposal & Communication Assessment NURS-FPX 8045 Doctoral Writing and Professional Practice Nursing Project Proposal & Communication Assessment Synthesis of Obesity Evidence: An Overview

Obesity is a complex, progressive, and recurring chronic condition characterized by abnormal or excessive body fat, adversely affecting health and well-being. Recognized as a growing epidemic, it is defined by a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 30 kg/m², with morbid obesity classified as a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher. The prevalence of obesity in the United States has risen from 4.6% in 1980 to 14.0% in 2019, impacting 42% of adults and resulting in healthcare expenditures of $3.8 trillion in 2019. Despite its acknowledgment as a chronic disease, obesity remains significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated.

This synthesis examines five articles related to obesity prevalence, incorporating a comprehensive table in the appendix and critically reviewing evidence for proposing an obesity-related project. The selected research articles include a 2022 update on obesity epidemiology by Boutari and Mantzoros (2022), a study on misalignment in perceptions, reality, and actions in obesity by Caterson et al. (2019), a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies on the lived experience of people with obesity by Farrell et al. (2021), a meta-analysis on sedentary behavior and physical inactivity by Silveira et al. (2022), and a study on trends in general and abdominal obesity in US adults by Sun et al. (2022).

NURS FPX 8045 Assessment 5 Nursing Project Proposal & Communication Assessment

The critical literature review reveals an escalating prevalence of obesity over the past decade, with associated musculoskeletal complications, metabolic effects, and an increased risk of various malignancies. Caterson et al. (2019) highlight the gap in care for obese patients, emphasizing the necessity for interventions beyond lifestyle changes. Silveira et al. (2022) underscore the prevalence of sedentary behavior and physical inactivity in individuals with obesity, suggesting screening for readiness to change. Farrell et al. (2021) emphasize the lived experience of people with obesity, advocating for a holistic approach to address the complexities of this chronic disease. Sun et al. (2022) examine trends in general and abdominal obesity, reaffirming the persistent burden of obesity in the US.

In conclusion, this synthesis underscores the urgency of addressing the obesity epidemic, emphasizing the need for comprehensive interventions beyond lifestyle changes. Understanding the lived experience of individuals with obesity and recognizing the impact of sedentary behavior are crucial aspects of developing effective strategies. The synthesis highlights the importance of a multifaceted approach to tackle the complexities of obesity and improve patient outcomes.

References

Boutari, C., & Mantzoros, C. S. (2022). A 2022 update on the epidemiology of obesity and a call to action: As its twin COVID-19 pandemic appears to be receding, the obesity and dysmetabolism pandemic continues to rage on. Metabolism, 133, 155217.

Caterson, I. D., Alfadda, A. A., Auerbach, P., Coutinho, W., Cuevas, A., Dicker, D., Hughes, C., Iwabu, M., Kang, J., Nawar, R., Reynoso, R., Rhee, N., Rigas, G., Salvador, J., Sbraccia, P., Vázquez-Velázquez, V., & Halford, J. C. (2019). Gaps to bridge: Misalignment between perception, reality and actions in obesity. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 21(8), 1914–1924.

Farrell, E., Bustillo, M., le Roux, C. W., Nadglowski, J., Hollmann, E., & McGillicuddy, D. (2021). The lived experience of people with obesity: Study protocol for a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies. Systematic Reviews, 10(1).