Obesity Nursing Care Plan: 2 Sample Plans and Interventions

Obesity is a chronic condition with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher that raises the risk for heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, and joint problems. Care should be respectful and free of judgment. Your priorities are safe, realistic weight goals, safe mobility and skin care, and support for lasting lifestyle changes.

A · AssessmentD · DiagnosisP · PlanningI · InterventionE · Evaluation

Each care plan below follows the nursing process (ADPIE).

CARE PLAN 1 · NURSING DIAGNOSIS

Overweight

Related to

Calorie intake greater than energy use
Low physical activity
Emotional or stress eating

As evidenced by

BMI of 30 or higher
Waist size above the healthy range
Client reports eating large portions or frequent snacking

PLANNING · EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Short-term goals

Client sets one realistic eating goal and one activity goal before discharge

Long-term goals

Client loses 5 to 10% of body weight over 6 months
Client keeps the weight off with healthy habits

ASSESSMENT

Height, weight, BMI, and waist size
Usual diet and activity
Readiness to change
Related conditions such as blood pressure and blood glucose

INTERVENTIONS AND RATIONALES

INTERVENTION	RATIONALE
Use motivational interviewing and neutral language	Respect builds trust and helps the client commit to change.
Help the client set small, specific goals	Small wins are easier to reach and build confidence.
Refer to a dietitian as ordered	A dietitian builds a meal plan that fits the client's life and culture.
Encourage regular activity the client enjoys, starting slowly	Gradual activity is safer and easier to keep doing.
Teach about prescribed weight loss medications or surgery options if ordered	The client can make informed choices with the provider.

EVALUATION

Client states personal goals
Client keeps a food and activity log
Weight is trending toward the goal

CARE PLAN 2 · NURSING DIAGNOSIS

Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity

Risk factors

Excess weight and pressure
Moisture in skin folds
Limited mobility

PLANNING · EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Short-term goals

Skin stays intact during the hospital stay

Long-term goals

Client performs daily skin fold care at home

ASSESSMENT

Skin folds, heels, and sacrum every shift
Moisture, redness, or rash in skin folds
Ability to turn and reposition

INTERVENTIONS AND RATIONALES

INTERVENTION	RATIONALE
Use bariatric beds, chairs, and lift equipment	Correct equipment protects both the client and staff from injury.
Turn and reposition at least every 2 hours	Frequent position changes relieve pressure.
Keep skin folds clean and dry	Moisture leads to skin breakdown and fungal infections.
Use enough staff for safe handling	Safe handling prevents falls and shear injuries.

EVALUATION

Skin remains intact
Client demonstrates skin fold care

Practice this in Head-to-Toe

Practice a thorough skin and system assessment on every client.

Play Head-to-Toe

Quick answers

What BMI is considered obesity?

A BMI of 30 or higher. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.

Why use a correctly sized BP cuff in a client with obesity?

A cuff that is too small gives a falsely high reading.

For learning only. Individualize every care plan to your client, and follow your program, current guidelines, provider orders, and facility policy.