Understanding obesity and addressing stigma: the role of healthcare professionals

Abstract

Covid-19 has further highlighted the importance of obesity as a health issue for adults and children. Prevalence in both groups has increased since the onset of the pandemic. Obesity is frequently seen as a behaviour change issue with individual responsibility rather than a complex multifactorial disease with a strong genetic component. It is both highly visible and highly stigmatised. Healthcare professionals, including nurses, have important roles in facilitating healthful behaviour change, discussing weight in neutral and respectful ways. This article first outlines the impact of the pandemic on weight and weight-related behaviours, then discusses complexity of obesity and weight stigma. It concludes with application to practice for nurses, discussing their roles and the importance of advocating for action to address the obesogenic environment.