Overweight and Obesity in Nursing Staff: A Growing Concern

Overweight and obesity among nurses are growing public health concerns with serious implications for both individual well-being and healthcare systems. Due to high job demands, irregular shifts, and limited time for self-care, nurses face a heightened risk of weight-related issues. This systematic review examined scientific studies published from 2013 to 2023 to explore the prevalence, contributing factors, and consequences of excess weight in nursing staff. Findings reveal that overweight and obesity are highly prevalent among nurses, often exceeding rates seen in the general population. Contributing factors include poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, shift work, psychological stress, and lack of institutional support. These conditions increase the risk of chronic illnesses, fatigue, and emotional burnout, which may affect job performance and patient care quality. Despite the growing evidence, workplace interventions remain limited and underused. Creating supportive environments that encourage healthy behaviors is essential. Institutional policies must address structural challenges such as limited access to nutritious food, lack of time for meals or breaks, and insufficient physical activity opportunities. Implementing wellness programs, offering stress management resources, and ensuring organizational commitment to nurse health are key strategies that can promote long-term improvements in both staff well-being and the effectiveness of healthcare delivery. Article Details