Date of Award

Spring 5-23-2020

Document Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Karen Macauley, PhD, DNP, FNP-BC, GNP-BC

Second Advisor

Tony Rosales, DNP, RN, CNS, FNP-BC

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the project is to implement effective, convenient, and efficient weight loss counseling in today’s fast-paced mobile society. The project will reinforce current physical activity guidelines in correlation with the clinic’s standard dietary guidelines and pharmacological interventions. Patient adherence and motivation will be supported through lifestyle modification counseling via telephone.

Background: The prevalence of obese adults in the United States (US) increased from 33.7 percent in 2007-2008 to 39.6 percent in 2015-2016. Abnormal or excess weight gain may further impair health, as it correlates with the development of multiple preventable comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and some cancers such as breast cancer or colon cancer. Overweight and obese patient’s pose a significant health care burden. Total costs attributable to the obese and overweight population is predicted to double every decade costing about $860.7- $956.9 billion by 2030, accounting for 16-18 percent of total US health care costs (Mobley & Baum, 2015). According to the CDC, (2018), the prevalence of obesity accounts for more than one-third (36.5 percent) of overweight and obese adults in the US, and further claims that in 2008 the estimated annual medical cost in the US attributed to obesity was $147 billion.

Practice Change: Three mandatory telephonic reminders were added to each patient’s weight loss plan on day three, day seven, and week six of the program.

Outcomes: Implementation of telephone-based intensive lifestyle modification counseling as an evidence-based intervention is a valuable method to improve weight loss outcomes, enhance clinical efficiency, maintain safety, and increase patient satisfaction.

Conclusion: Early detection, diagnosis, and management of overweight or obese patients are vital to prevent morbidity, mortality, improve quality of life, and prolong life expectancy without suffering. Evidence-based interventions are key to help facilitate healthy weight loss goals and reduce both patient and health care system costs.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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