Excess body weight is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and a range of other debilitating health conditions, and is the third leading cause of death in high-income countries like the UK. Since practice nurses may have long-term, regular contact with patients, they may be well placed to motivate and support individuals in losing weight. It can, however, be difficult for nurses to find the right words to discuss this very sensitive subject with patients.
