Obesity Policy Streams, the Economy, and a Call for Nursing Leadership

Obesity policy has received increasing prominence on the national agenda. Constricting national and state economies, however, threaten the public's perception and support of obesity as a national agenda item. Inversely related to the declining United States (U.S.) economy, obesity rates have continued to climb over the past decade. Economic detractors and incremental healthcare reform underscore the importance of nurses as policy leaders. Informing the policy process while educating the public regarding comprehensive treatment of obesity and related conditions is increasingly important in meeting current and future healthcare needs in a manner that reverses the physical and economic burden of obesity. The public health model is an effective model for addressing, treating, and mitigating the effects of chronic health conditions through primary and secondary management. Nurses are uniquely positioned to impact obesity through primary prevention, secondary prevention, and tertiary disease management. Nursing...