Journal of General Practice Nursing (GPN) | May 2015

Back to journal

Practical weight management in general practice nursing

Practical weight management in general practice nursing
Health promotion

Article topics: Communication, Nutrition, Obesity, Overweight, Weight bias

Statistics suggest that one in four adults are obese, and up to 33% of school-aged children are overweight or obese (National Obesity Forum, 2015). Thus, on a daily basis, it is likely that general practice nurses (GPNs) will engage in consultations with patients who are overweight or obese, quite often while presenting for advice for another condition. This article explores how to broach this sensitive issue and the GPN’s role to reduce weight stigma in line with the new Nursing and Midwifery Council Code (NMC, 2015). Practical advice for GPNs to support patients in managing their weight, and identifying appropriate onward referrals, including for bariatric surgery and eating disorders, will also be discussed.

If you would like to write for the Journal of General Practice Nursing, please contact Binkie:
binkie@jcn.co.uk