Obesity and the nurses’ role in reducing health inequalities through health promotion.

Abstract

The obesity epidemic currently costs the National Health Service £6.1bn each year (Public Health England, 2015). This, combined with the co-morbidities associated with obesity means that the epidemic needs to be addressed. Nurses play a key role in reducing this epidemic through health promotion. However, it has become apparent that health inequalities exist with regards to obesity. As a result, nurses must be aware of the wider determinants of health in order to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to successfully promote health. The present training and guidelines nurses receive needs to be readdressed so this can be facilitated.