Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis: Overweight
NANDA nursing diagnoses provide a standard language for nurses to communicate and document patient care plans. The nursing diagnosis of Overweight refers to a body weight that is above what is considered usual or healthy, as defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more. This diagnosis is most often found in clients who are obese or merely overweight.
Nursing Diagnosis Definition
The definition for the nursing diagnosis Overweight is "body weight exceeding normal range for age and height as evidenced by body mass index greater than 25."
Defining Characteristics
Subjectives
- Complaints of being overweight
- Anxiety or depression related to being overweight
- Feelings of social isolation due to size
Objectives
- Observation of body weight that exceeds normal range for age and height as evidenced by a BMI greater than 25.
- Reports of a body weight that exceeds recommended range for age and height
- Excessive physical inactivity
- High intake of saturated fats, complex carbohydrates, and cholesterol
- Inability to recognize hunger or fullness cues
- Physical Activity: Lack of physical activity due to multiple factors such as limited mobility, disability, work schedule, and environmental hazards.
- Genetic Predisposition: A family history of overweight may affect an individual's risk level for becoming overweight.
- Nutrition: Poor dietary practices such as eating without consideration of nutrient content and combining high fat foods can contribute to overweight.
- Psychological: Emotional overeating or compulsive eating, low self-esteem and other psychological conditions can lead to or worsen the condition.
Risk Population
Individuals with a sedentary lifestyle, mental disorders, or those belonging to certain ethnic or cultural backgrounds may be at increased risk for becoming overweight. Men and women over the age of sixty are also at increased risk, mainly due to changes in metabolism.
Associated Problems
Individuals identified as overweight face various health complications, like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, anxiety and depression.
Suggestions for Use
Clinicians can use this diagnosis to assess the degree of risk, the effect the problem is having on the client’s daily life and to develop interventions to help the client achieve his or her goals.
Suggested Alternative Nursing Diagnosis
- Imbalanced Nutrition: More Than Body Requirements
- Noncompliance with medical/nutritional regimen
- Activity Intolerance related to inability to exercise for health due to overweight
Usage Tips
When investigating overweight, it is important to establish the client’s health profile, to include age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and physiological health.
NOC Outcomes
Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) provides nurses with outcomes associated with NANDA nursing diagnoses. For the NANDA diagnosis of Overweight, NOC outcomes may include:
- Nutrition Status: Current Intake, Waist Circumference, Food Intake Ability, Basal Metabolic Rate, Meal Planning
- Cardiac Function: Cardiac Output, Myocardial Contractility, Tissue Perfusion, Cardiac Response
- Health Maintenance: Exercise Program Compliance, Activity Engagement, Health-Seeking Behaviors
- Body Mass Index: Weight Status
NIC Interventions
Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) provides nurses with interventions associated with NANDA nursing diagnoses. For the NANDA diagnosis of Overweight, NIC interventions may include:
- Nutrition Management: Menu Planning, Exercise Promotion, Nutrition Education, Meal Assistants
- Exercise Therapy: Aerobic Conditioning, Muscle Strengthening, Stretching
- Medication Management to address imbalanced nutrition, slow digestion, stimulate appetite, and promote weight loss
- Relaxation Techniques: Soothing Music, Guided Imagery, Relaxation Training to reduce stress levels related to being overweight
Conclusion
nursing diagnosis: Overweight is a useful way to assess and plan interventions for clients who are obese or merely overweight. Clinicians should assess, plan, implement and evaluate interventions to increase successful results in helping clients reach desired weight goals.
FAQ
- What is the nursing diagnosis definition for Overweight?
- The definition for the nursing diagnosis Overweight is "body weight exceeding normal range for age and height as evidenced by body mass index greater than 25."
- Are there any associated problems linked to being overweight?
- Yes, individuals identified as overweight face various health complications, like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, anxiety and depression.
- What are some suggested NOC outcomes for the nursing diagnosis Overweight?
- NOC outcomes may include: Nutrition Status, Cardiac Function, Health Maintenance and Body Mass Index.
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