Addressing the primary care workforce: a study of nurse practitioner students' plans after graduation.

Primary care is a growing area, and nurse practitioners (NPs) hold promise for meeting the need for additional providers. This article reports on the future plans of more than 300 primary care NP students in family, adult, and adult gerontology programs. The sample was obtained through NP faculty, and data were collected via an online survey.

CE: The obesity epidemic, part 2: nursing assessment and intervention.

Although there are many gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying obesity, several nursing strategies have proven effective in combating this public health crisis. This article, the second in a two-part series, presents a theoretical framework to guide nursing assessment of affected patients and their families, thereby informing intervention. The authors discuss the effects of stigma and bias on the treatment of obesity; how to conduct a thorough assessment of an obese patient; the effectiveness of the most common lifestyle, pharmacologic, and surgical interventions for obesity; and issues to consider in the treatment of obese children.

CE: The obesity epidemic, part 1: understanding the origins.

The obesity epidemic remains a significant health problem in the United States and worldwide, with multiple associated physical and societal costs. To contribute to obesity's treatment and prevention, nurses must be conversant in a wide range of theoretical and clinical perspectives on the problem. This article, the first in a two-part series, defines the terms used in the treatment of obesity and outlines pathophysiologic, psychological, and social factors that influence weight control.

Preparing practice scholars: teaching knowledge application in the Doctor of Nursing Practice curriculum.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to explore the scholarship role of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the associated knowledge and skills required for success.

Data Sources: There are excellent competencies provided by national organizations that present guidelines for design and application of this practice scholar's contributions. Although evidence-based research translation is known to be essential for the DNP scholar, a consensus does not exist about the required research knowledge and skill levels that are needed.

Exploring relationships among maternal BMI, family factors, and concern for child's weight.

Problem: in an effort to better understand child obesity, this study examined the association between family living location, family function, mother's body mass index (BMI), and mothers' attitudes and behaviors concerning child feeding. Recent research on obesity has shown there is limited information on family influence and parental perceptions and attitudes.

Methods: a cross-sectional analysis was performed on data from 47 mothers of school-aged children.

Obesity stigma: a newly recognized barrier to comprehensive and effective type 2 diabetes management.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to increase awareness regarding the social problem of obesity stigma and its effects on persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, practical strategies to dispel stigma and improve diabetes care that nurse practitioners (NPs) can integrate into practice will be introduced.

Data Sources: Thorough review of the literature was conducted including MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL, spanning the years 1994-2008.

Health care professionals' attitudes about obesity: an integrative review.

Stigma and discrimination against obese people are common and related to individual attitudes about obesity. Despite a robust field of study on attitudes related to obesity, no integrative review of health providers' beliefs exist. Fifteen studies (1990-2007) on various health care providers are examined along with practice implications.

Addressing the childhood obesity crisis: a call to action.

The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing in the United States and globally. Associated with numerous comorbid conditions, childhood obesity is also recognized as a risk factor for multiple chronic conditions and premature mortality in adult life. Children and adolescents, particularly those from ethnic minorities and rural low income populations, bear an excess burden of obesity and its attendant comorbidities.

Weight loss in obese African American and Caucasian adolescents: secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial of behavioral therapy plus sibutramine.

Background: Obesity, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is more prevalent in African American adolescents than in their Caucasian counterparts. Effective weight loss treatment options are required to aid in the reduction of this health disparity. The purpose of this study, a secondary analysis of data collected as part of a double-blind, randomized clinical trial of behavioral and pharmacologic weight loss, was to examine and compare changes in weight loss and cardiometabolic risk factors in African American and Caucasian adolescents.

Childhood obesity: determinants, prevention, and treatment.

The prevalence of child and adolescent obesity has increased dramatically in the last 20 years and has led to a rise in cardiovascular-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, in children and youth. The American Heart Association (AHA) issued a scientific statement with available evidence and guidance for health professionals involved in the prevention and management of childhood obesity. The scientific statement was ranked as 1 of the Top 10 Research Advances of 2005 by the AHA.

School-based obesity prevention: Research, challenges, and recommendations.

Childhood overweight is one of the most serious problems currently affecting individual and public health. Schools represent a logical site for prevention because children spend 6-8 hours a day there during most of the year. Although reports of school-based overweight or obesity prevention programs exist, there are no summaries specifying which interventions are effective in preventing weight gain in the school environment.