Adult obesity is a major health concern in the United States. Adults who are overweight or obese are at higher risk for chronic illnesses, which include hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, ob esity significantly contributes to increased healthcare costs. Rural adults experience higher rates of obesity as well as correspondingly elevated mortality and morbidity than their urban counterparts. The United States Preventative Task Force provides recommendations for addressing adult obesity. However, if these resources are not available in rural communities, nurse practitioners cannot follow these recommendations. A cross-sectional study was conducted with rural Missouri nurse practitioners. Findings showed although nurse practitioners feel obesity has a negative impact on the health of their patients, resources are limited to address obesity in their population.
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