Evidence-Based Research on Weight Loss Strategy Research Paper

Weight Loss & Osteoarthritis

The PICOT question addressed in this proposed study focuses on an examination of the influence of weight loss counseling and implementation of a physical exercise regimen on the reported osteoarthritis symptoms of obese patients with a BMI greater than 25. The proposed evidence-based study would extend the research that indicates that brief, in-office weight loss sessions conducted by their physicians contributes to patients' implementation of physical exercise regimens or increased daily activity. The subjects in the proposed research differ from those in earlier investigations in that they are suffer from osteoarthritis and are obese.

Despite the fact that activity across the day and physical exercise provide some protective benefits to people who are obese, many people are not physically active and do not maintain an exercise regimen. Research on the benefits of an active live has extended to overweight people who have also managed to become fit without a substantive loss in excess weight (McInnis, et al., 2003). However, for people suffering from osteoarthritis, the issue is not simply to become fitter, as evidence by muscle strength and cardio system performance (McInnis, et al., 2003). Absolute weight remains a problem for obese people as their joints continue to be overtaxed by excessive weight and this contributes to further deterioration of the joint and a decline in functioning (Fontaine, et al., 2007). Research indicates that in-office counseling on the relation between weight and exercise and overall health are influential in patient follow through with recommendations for interventions (Do, et al., 2011). The literature indicates that counseling is most effective when it includes discussion of the barriers to physical activity and exercise, and that a three-to-five-minute counseling session with a practitioner can be sufficient to achieve positive behavior change in patients (Do, et al., 2011). The proposed research would explore the influence of weight loss counseling sessions on activity and exercise levels in people seeking relief for their osteoarthritis symptoms.

The significance of obesity in contemporary society is enormous, and the problem has received substantive attention in the media, by healthcare institutions and organizations, and by government agencies. Unless the issue of obesity is addressed adequately and quickly by society, the rates of debilitating diseases will increase and the economic costs for addressing these issues will escalate. APN's can contribute substantially to the patients' responses to weight loss strategies. Moreover, national initiatives,…