Obesity

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease in which excess adiposity can impair organ function, mobility, sleep, glucose regulation, and cardiovascular health. It is not adequately described as a failure of willpower: the body actively defends weight through appetite signals and energy expenditure, particularly after weight loss. For the nurse practitioner, the clinical task is twofold. First, establish whether excess adiposity is present and identify the complications or functional limitations it is causing. Second, choose treatment according to the patient's complications, contraindications, preferences, access, and likelihood of sustained use. Anti-obesity medication is an adjunct to a reduced-calorie eating pattern and increased physical activity, and it is generally continued long term when it is effective and tolerated because stopping commonly leads to regain.