Introduction
The given paper presents a PICOT analysis of the interconnection between obesity and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. These diseases are interconnected and extremely widespread all over the population. The PICOT format helps to formulate a researchable question and to find a clear answer. In the paper, such aspects will be analyzed as an evidence-based solution, nursing practice and intervention, patient care, and healthcare agency.
The Problem
Obesity is a quite serious disease, as it affects a large number of people and leads to a wide range of other health problems. It is characterized by World Health Organization (2017) as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation presenting a health risk. According to Fruh (2017), more than one-third of the US population has an increased body mass index. The disease leads to several pathological conditions and can worsen the outcomes of existing ones.
As for the diseases that are linked with obesity, it influences the cardiovascular system in several ways. Diabetes is one of the most widespread conditions caused by increased body mass. According to Boles et al. (2017), every six seconds one person dies of diabetes. This disease led to 1.5 million people dying in 2012. About 415 million people are suffering from diabetes all over the world. If a person’s body mass index is 25% or higher, the risk of diabetes increases (Boles et al.,2017). Persons suffering from obesity also have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and their manifestations. For example, Piché et al. (2020) list such obesity-associated conditions as artery disease, heart failure, angina, sudden cardiac death, and myocardial infarction. Koliaky et al. (2019) enumerate several local and systematic cardiovascular problems related to obesity. They are abnormal glucose metabolism, hypertension, hypoxia, pro-thrombotic state, metabolism problems, and others.
Cancer is also included in the list of diseases that are associated with obesity. According to Avgerinos et al. (2019), in women, the risk of cancer, especially postmenopausal breast one, decreases with intentionally lost weight. Increased body mass index is also associated with a higher risk of cancer, especially colorectal, pancreatic, endometrial, ovarian, gallbladder (in women), and esophageal carcinoma (Avgerinos et al., 2019).
PICOT Statement
In patients with a body mass index increased more than 25% (P), there is a risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer (I) which is increased in comparison with people that have normal body weight (C) and decreases with intended body loss (O).
Setting, Solution, Intervention, Care, and Nursing Practice
The nurses should tell their patients about the risks connected with obesity. As long as they cannot prescribe, they should try to make the patient change the lifestyle to a healthier one. This lifestyle includes doing exercises at least three times a week, reducing the number of calories consumed, regulating the sleeping schedule, and decreasing the stress that can lead to the desire to eat more. Fruh notes that nurses should provide their patients with motivation and support and implement weight-loss programs (Fruh, 2017). Even a reduction of the weight of 5%-10% leads to a significant improvement in the patient’s condition. Nurse practitioners can play a significant role in this process, as they can help the patient with an assessment of their condition. They also can motivate and support the patient, set several achievable goals, and increase the patient’s knowledge in the field of obesity management.
References
Avgerinos, K. I., Spyrou, N., Mantzoros, C. S., & Dalamaga, M. (2019). Obesity and cancer risk: Emerging biological mechanisms and perspectives.Metabolism: clinical and experimental, 92, 121–135. Web.
Boles, A., Kandimalla, R., & Reddy, P. H. (2017). Dynamics of diabetes and obesity: Epidemiological perspective. Biochimica et biophysica acta.Molecular basis of disease, 1863(5), 1026–1036. Web.
Fruh S. M. (2017). Obesity: Risk factors, complications, and strategies for sustainable long-term weight management. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 29(S1), S3–S14. Web.
Koliaki, C., Liatis, S., & Kokkinos, A. (2019). Obesity and cardiovascular disease: revisiting an old relationship. Metabolism: clinical and experimental, 92, 98–107. Web.
Piché, M. E., Tchernof, A., & Després, J. P. (2020). Obesity Phenotypes, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Diseases. Circulation research, 126(11), 1477–1500. Web.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2016a). 10 Facts on obesity. Web.