The significance and magnitude of understanding and treating patients with actual or potential obesity-related health problems in the United States and around the world is staggering. The obesity epidemic has recently garnered increased media attention, societal awareness, medical attention, and substantial research focus. The prevalence, morbidity, and mortality statistics of children and adults considered overweight or obese continues to grow despite increased awareness. Healthy People 2010 embraced an ambitious goal to reduce obesity in the United States to 15% and to develop obesity-prevention strategies. Unfortunately, the goal will not be achieved.

Nurse practitioners play a key role in the prevention, management, and treatment of obesity in primary care. The research of Brown, Stride, Psarou, Brewins, and Thompson (2007) investigating nurses' practices, beliefs, and attitudes was nearly replicated to gain insight about North Dakota nurse practitioners' knowledge and attitudes about obesity.

In September of 2008, the Lundeen obesity questionnaire was emailed to 191 nurse practitioners licensed to practice in North Dakota. Findings suggest there are more similarities than differences in attitudes and beliefs about obesity between nurses in the United Kingdom and North Dakota nurse practitioners (NDNPs). NDNPs were found to have negative attitudes towards patients with obesity, hold misconceptions about the causes of obesity, lack education on obesity treatment, and lack the time and organizational support to effectively manage obesity. Further research is needed about the practice and patient care implications of NE's negative attitude towards patients with obesity. More importantly, research must extend beyond documenting negative attitudes and move towards changing negative attitudes and inaccurate beliefs about obesity, finding effective strategies for preventing obesity, optimizing obesity care, and improving morbidity and mortality of patients with obesity.