7 Most Common Causes of Obesity in Nurses + How to Prevent Them


Written By: Darby FaubionDarby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »»
RN, BSN, MBA


One of the most common and debilitating health issues in society today is obesity. Obesity can have significant impacts on nurses, including leading to chronic diseases, emotional health issues, and inability to perform jobs effectively. Before we can prevent the problem, we must first ask, “What are the most common causes of obesity in nurses?”

As you read further, I will answer this question by sharing the 7 most common causes of obesity in nurses + how to prevent them. By understanding the risks of obesity, we can take proactive measures to reduce the risks, which can result in positive health outcomes.



What are the Most Common Causes of Obesity in Nurses?

(The following are the 7 most common causes of obesity in nurses + how to prevent them.)


CAUSE #1: Lack of Exercise


About the Cause:

Among the top causes of obesity in nurses is lack of exercise. Some health research indicates that physical inactivity can be more deadly than obesity alone. Lack of exercise or a sedentary lifestyle leads to an energy imbalance because more calories are consumed than are burned. Lack of exercise also increases the risk of developing metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, which contribute to obesity.

How to Prevent:

The most important step in preventing obesity related to lack of exercise is to incorporate regular exercise into your lifestyle. Choose activities that you enjoy doing because you are more likely to stick with something you like. For example, if you prefer cycling to walking, consider going for a bike ride three to four times each week. Set realistic goals so you do not feel overwhelmed. Most importantly, prioritize movement. Some people cannot dedicate time to a full workout three to five times a week. However, you can incorporate simple steps, such as stretching, going for a walk during your breaks, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

As a nurse, I understand that exercise can be difficult, especially after a long day of work. I work from home, sitting at a computer most of the day, and I have had to learn to be intentional about physical activity. Each day, I schedule breaks from work and walk around my property or go for a walk near my home. Even if you have a job outside of your home, you can implement small steps to improve activity and reduce the risks associated with lack of exercise.


CAUSE #2: Poor Eating Habits


About the Cause:

One of the most common causes of obesity in nurses is poor eating habits, and if anyone can speak from experience about this, it’s me! Grabbing a quick snack or soda from a vending machine when you are rushed for time is a common example of how nurses fall into poor eating habits. I remember working long shifts and often feeling like I did not have time to sit down and eat a healthy meal. The vending machines became a source of what little food I ate during long days at work.

Convenience, processed, and fast foods are typically high in sugar and fat, which play a significant role in obesity. Consistently eating foods like these that lack essential nutrients not only leads to obesity but also to obesity-related health issues, such as increased risk for heart disease, cancer, and stroke.

How to Prevent:

Having worked in some very busy healthcare facilities, I understand how easy it is to get into the habit of making poor food choices. One way to prevent obesity is to prioritize balanced nutrition. It is important to make healthy food choices focused on long-term sustainable changes instead of implementing short-term restrictions. For example, avoid high-calorie foods and opt for nutrient-dense options, which have essential minerals and vitamins. Choose healthy food options, such as vegetables, fruit, nuts, legumes, and lean proteins.


CAUSE #3: Irregular Sleep Patterns


About the Cause:

Another common cause of obesity in nurses is irregular sleep patterns. Disruptions in sleep affect hormonal regulation, metabolic function, and appetite control, which contribute to weight gain and other health problems. Some studies indicate that having an inconsistent sleep and wake schedule, as some nurses who work shift work, increases the risk of not only high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar levels, and hypertension but also obesity.

How to Prevent:

Maintaining a healthy weight involves identifying and addressing irregularities in sleep patterns. A few ways you can help reduce the risk of obesity related to irregular sleep include prioritizing consistent sleep, creating an environment conducive to rest and sleep, and practicing mindful eating before bed. If possible, try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. Adjust the temperature in your bedroom to a comfortable setting, avoid using electronics, turn off the television, and avoid eating meals late at night.


CAUSE #4: Stress


About the Cause:

Nursing is a wonderful career, but it can also be quite stressful, and stress can lead to unhealthy weight gain and obesity. Stress causes weight gain in a few ways. First, when you experience stress, your body experiences hormonal changes. For example, stress causes a release of cortisol, which not only raises insulin production and blood pressure but also increases cravings for sugary and fatty foods. Stress also disrupts the hormones involved in satiety and hunger, which can lead to overindulgence in unhealthy, calorie-dense foods.

How to Prevent:

Managing stress is a major step in preventing obesity. Practice techniques such as self-care, relaxation, and mindfulness, as they help prevent emotional eating, which is triggered by stress. Also, make healthier eating choices, such as consuming fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains instead of foods high in sugar and caffeine, which can increase stress levels.


CAUSE #5: Physiological Factors


About the Cause:

Physiological factors contribute to obesity in nurses in several ways. For instance, your metabolic rate can impact how efficiently your body burns calories. While some people continue to burn excess energy at rest, others' bodies store calories as excess fat. Imbalances in hormonal regulation can impact appetite control and fat storage. Additionally, genetic factors can influence the size and number of fat cells a person has, which can lead to challenges in maintaining a healthy weight.

In addition to other health-related issues, I experienced abnormal hormone levels as a young adult, which made it difficult for me to lose weight. Years later, I was diagnosed with diabetes and prescribed medication to help regulate my blood sugar. As a result of dietary changes and my medication regimen, I lost weight, but the struggle was real and something I had to be proactive in learning about and addressing to improve my health. Thankfully, today, I am able to manage my blood sugar with diet and exercise, but each person is different.

How to Prevent:

You have probably heard the old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," right? That statement is absolutely true when it comes to preventing obesity. However, preventing obesity requires a multifaceted approach. Individualized diet plans are helpful. Depending on the physiological factors that cause you to struggle, you may need behavioral interventions, such as motivational interviewing or cognitive behavioral therapy, which can complement modifications in your diet. Additionally, modifying your activity by establishing an exercise routine can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight while reducing your risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.


CAUSE #6: Social Influences


About the Cause:

Social influence can play a significant role in nurses becoming obese. Social norms, such as the way we perceive our own bodies to our eating habits impact our behavior regarding food. The people we socialize with often influence our lifestyle behaviors, including the way we view food.

How to Prevent:

Preventing social influences from leading to obesity requires making intentional choices. First, surround yourself with people who support your efforts and encourage healthy eating and lifestyle habits. Set personal boundaries and stick with them. For example, be aware of social situations that may lead to overeating or poor food choices and practice mindfulness by paying attention to portion sizes. Also, if you feel you cannot control your eating, learn to say no to invitations or offers that could lead to poor eating choices.


CAUSE #7: Emotional Eating


About the Cause:

I saved this cause of obesity in nurses as the last point to discuss because it is a personal issue to me. For many years, I struggled with obesity and the mental and physical toll it takes on a person. To make matters worse, I was known as what is called an emotional eater. When I was stressed, overwhelmed, or sad, I turned to food as a source of comfort.

As nurses, we deal with the emotional highs and lows of illness and disease and the impact of losing patients. Many nurses turn to food as a comfort, becoming emotional eaters. Some studies indicate that increased stress levels, mental demands, and long working hours lead to emotional eating. Recognizing it in ourselves is essential if we are to overcome obesity or, better yet, prevent it.

How to Prevent:

Overcoming emotional eating can be challenging, but it is possible. Nurses who overcome emotional eating may avoid becoming obese before the situation gets out of hand. A few approaches to overcoming emotional eating include identifying the root cause of the problem that triggers your eating and food choice habits, participating in stress management and counseling, and keeping a food diary. The key to preventing obesity in nursing is consistency. Swap unhealthy snacks for healthier food options, be mindful of when and how much you eat, and check your hunger to determine if you are really hungry or simply choosing to eat because your emotions are running high.



My Final Thoughts


Obesity is a significant health issue worldwide, impacting people from all walks of life. Despite being educated about health, wellness, and healthy lifestyle choices, obesity among nurses is still common. Before change is possible, it is first important to ask and answer, “What are the most common causes of obesity in nurses?”

In this article, I answered that question by sharing the 7 most common causes of obesity in nurses + how to prevent them. Because obesity has so many negative long-term effects, it is essential for nurses to identify risks and learn healthy ways to prevent it. From increased energy levels, less physical strain, improved mental health, and better health outcomes, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for nurses.



List Of Sources Used For This Article


1. “Risk Factors for Obesity” (Centers for Disease Control)
2. “National Institute of Health “Study Links Irregular Sleep Patterns to Metabolic Disorders” (National Institute of Health)
3. “Self-Care for Nurses- 25 Proven Strategies to Take Better Care of Yourself” (nursingprocess.org)
4. “Obesity Symptoms and Causes” (Mayo Clinic)


Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.