Obesity Flashcards
(97 cards)
1
Q
What is obesity defined as?
A
An excessive storage of energy as fat, causing adverse health effects.
2
Q
What are the key health risks associated with obesity?
A
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Some musculoskeletal conditions
- Some cancers
3
Q
What is the relationship between obesity and metabolic syndrome?
A
Metabolic syndrome is an intermediate condition between obesity and other conditions like diabetes and coronary heart disease.
4
Q
What contributes to the development of obesity in modern society?
A
- Abundance of energy-dense foods
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Longer working hours
- Increased technology use
5
Q
How is obesity typically evaluated?
A
Using body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.
6
Q
What is the formula to calculate BMI?
A
BMI = weight (kg) / height² (m²)
7
Q
What BMI values classify an individual as overweight and obese?
A
- Overweight: BMI ≥ 25
- Obese: BMI ≥ 30
8
Q
What are the classifications of obesity based on BMI?
A
- Obese (class I): 30.00–34.99
- Obese (class II): 35.00–39.99
- Obese (class III): ≥ 40.00
9
Q
What are the waist circumference cut-offs for increased metabolic risk in men and women?
A
- Men: ≥ 94 cm (increased), ≥ 102 cm (substantially increased)
- Women: ≥ 80 cm (increased), ≥ 88 cm (substantially increased)
10
Q
What are the two forms of adipose tissue distribution in obesity?
A
- Central obesity (apple-shaped)
- Peripheral obesity (pear-shaped)
11
Q
What is central obesity associated with?
A
Higher risk of obesity-related complications.
12
Q
What is the significance of waist circumference in obesity assessment?
A
It directly indicates the amount of visceral fat stored around the abdomen.
13
Q
What percentage of body weight is typically fat in a healthy individual?
A
20–25%.
14
Q
What is the body fat percentage considered excessive for men and women?
A
- Men: > 25%
- Women: > 35%
15
Q
What is the relationship between BMI and body fat at a population level?
A
BMI correlates well with the percentage of body fat.
16
Q
What is a limitation of using BMI as a sole measure of obesity?
A
It does not account for body composition differences, such as muscle mass.
17
Q
True or False: BMI values are the same across all ages and sexes.
A
True.
18
Q
What is the waist/hip ratio used for?
A
It is a marker of fat distribution.
19
Q
What is the importance of combining BMI with waist circumference measurements?
A
It provides a better overall perspective of an individual’s adiposity status.
20
Q
What is the impact of excess adipose tissue on health?
A
It can lead to increased rates of morbidity and mortality.
21
Q
What does healthy weight obesity refer to?
A
Individuals with a normal BMI but high body fat content.
22
Q
What is the estimated body fat percentage that defines excess body fat in men?
A
Exceeding 25%
Excess body fat in women is defined as exceeding 35%
23
Q
What is the healthy body fat percentage range for men and women?
A
Men: 10-20%, Women: 20-30%
Percentages may vary based on age and fitness level
24
Q
What factors contribute to weight increase?
A
Energy consumed exceeds physical activity
Excess energy is stored as adipose tissue
25
True or False: Obesity is driven only by physical inactivity or ingestion of large amounts of food.
False
## Footnote
It is an oversimplification to conclude this
26
What influences steady state body weight?
Homeostatic, behavioral and environmental influences
## Footnote
Genetics also play a role
27
What is the recommended physical activity for maintaining weight according to Australian guidelines?
150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous intensity per week
## Footnote
Muscle strengthening activities should be done at least 2 days per week
28
What dietary habits contribute to obesity?
* Poor dietary patterns
* Meal skipping
* Overconsumption at infrequent times
* Large portion sizes
## Footnote
Insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables is also a contributing factor
29
What is the impact of stress on obesity?
Causes physiological changes, emotional eating, and altered cortisol secretion
## Footnote
Stress can lead to skipping meals and overeating later
30
How does smoking affect body weight?
Nicotine may reduce appetite in the short term
## Footnote
Smokers tend to have lower body weight than non-smokers
31
What is the relationship between socioeconomic factors and obesity?
Socioeconomic status affects food selection, physical activity, and understanding of healthy weight maintenance
## Footnote
Rural areas often have less access to healthy food options
32
What is the role of gut flora in obesity?
Linked with chronic diseases, including obesity
## Footnote
Obese individuals have less bacterial variety, leading to greater adiposity and insulin resistance
33
What is the relationship between bacterial variety and obesity?
Obese individuals with less bacterial variety have more marked overall adiposity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, and a more pronounced inflammatory phenotype.
34
What therapeutic intervention has recent evidence suggested could be used against obesity?
Faecal microbiota transfer.
35
What is monogenic obesity?
A rare form of obesity associated with severe and early onset due to mutations in genes related to leptin.
36
What characterizes syndromic obesity?
Obesity associated with other genetic syndromes, often presenting with intellectual disabilities.
37
What is polygenic obesity?
A more common form of obesity where each susceptible gene has a slight effect on weight, with significant cumulative contributions.
38
What metabolic disorders are associated with obesity?
Cushing’s syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypothyroidism, and hypothalamic injury.
39
What are the two components of the adipose organ?
White fat (white adipose tissue) and brown fat (brown adipose tissue).
40
What is the primary role of white adipose tissue?
Fuel storage and endocrine functions.
41
What is the function of brown adipose tissue?
Heat production through non-shivering thermogenesis.
42
What is visceral obesity?
Obesity associated with increased risk of metabolic alterations, stored around abdominal organs.
43
What measurement indicates the amount of visceral fat stored?
Waist circumference.
44
Which hormones are influenced by increased intra-abdominal fat?
Insulin, cortisol, and growth hormone.
45
What is the role of adipocytokines?
They are substances secreted by adipose cells that influence various body processes.
46
Name two examples of adipocytokines.
* Leptin
* Adiponectin
47
What is leptin's function?
To suppress appetite at the hypothalamus.
48
What is leptin resistance?
A condition where high leptin levels fail to decrease appetite and energy expenditure.
49
What health complications are associated with obesity?
* Type 2 diabetes
* Coronary heart disease
* Some cancers
* Respiratory problems
* Gallbladder disease
* Musculoskeletal disorders
* Infertility
* Psychological problems
50
What is the relationship between obesity and cardiovascular disease?
Obesity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, increasing risks of complications and mortality.
51
What are some effects of obesity on the coagulation system?
Increases likelihood of developing thrombosis and myocardial infarction.
52
What is the significance of epicardial fat?
It may contribute to cardiovascular disease and behaves differently from other adipose stores.
53
What major hormone is involved in obesity-induced hypertension?
Leptin.
54
What common risk factors are shared between obesity and type 2 diabetes?
* Unhealthy diet
* Physical inactivity
* Smoking
* Dyslipidaemia
55
What hormone is primarily secreted by adipose cells?
Leptin
## Footnote
Leptin is involved in regulating energy balance by inhibiting hunger.
56
What is one consequence of increased leptin levels in obese individuals?
Increased sympathetic nervous system activity
## Footnote
This can lead to sodium retention and obesity-related hypertension.
57
What is a common risk factor shared by obesity and type 2 diabetes?
Unhealthy diet
## Footnote
Other factors include physical inactivity, smoking, and dyslipidaemia.
58
What is the first major step in developing diabetes for many individuals?
Increased waist circumference
59
What are some serious health risks associated with diabetes?
Kidney failure, lower limb amputations
## Footnote
Diabetes can be a chronic and debilitating disease.
60
Which types of cancer are associated with obesity?
Endometrial, postmenopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal, kidney, gallbladder, liver, pancreas cancers
## Footnote
These cancers have increased incidence due to body size and abdominal obesity.
61
What respiratory disorder is prevalent among obese individuals?
Obstructive sleep apnoea
## Footnote
It is characterized by episodes of shallow breathing and cessation of breathing during sleep.
62
What is a common complication of obesity related to respiratory function?
Impaired respiratory function
## Footnote
Increased adipose tissue makes lung expansion difficult.
63
What condition is characterized by pain and dysfunction of the joints, particularly in weight-bearing joints?
Osteoarthritis
64
What is sarcopenic obesity?
Increased adipose tissue accompanying sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss)
## Footnote
This condition increases the risk of fractures.
65
What percentage of mortality is estimated to be attributable to obesity?
5–15%
66
What is a realistic weight loss goal for individuals seeking to improve health?
5–10% of body weight
## Footnote
This can lead to significant health benefits.
67
What dietary changes can help prevent overweight and obesity?
* Choosing lower energy foods
* Limiting sugars and simple carbohydrates
* Increasing fruits, vegetables, whole grains
* Decreasing meal sizes
68
What is a low-energy diet's caloric intake range?
4000–5000 kilojoules per day
69
What is the primary characteristic of ketogenic diets?
Less than 50 g of total carbohydrates daily
## Footnote
These diets often emphasize low-starch vegetables and healthy fats.
70
What is the recommended amount of physical activity for maintaining health?
At least 250 minutes of cardiorespiratory exercise per week
71
True or False: Exercise only benefits weight loss during the session.
False
## Footnote
Exercise can increase metabolic rate for hours after the activity.
72
What are some benefits of a modest weight loss of 10% of body weight?
* Improved glycaemic control
* Reduced cardiovascular risk factors
* Improved lung function
* Alleviates osteoarthritis
73
Fill in the blank: The liver becomes infiltrated with excess fat during _______.
obesity
74
What is the impact of excessive inflammation and mechanical stresses on individuals with obesity?
Increased risk of joint pain and dysfunction
## Footnote
This is particularly relevant for osteoarthritis.
75
What are the benefits of exercise in consuming energy?
Two-fold: energy consumed by working muscles during exercise and increased metabolic rate for several hours post-exercise.
76
What is the recommended amount of moderate physical activity for health benefits?
Brisk walking for 30 minutes per day or expending 4000 kilojoules of energy per week.
77
How many minutes of cardiorespiratory exercise per week is required for clinically significant weight loss?
At least 250 minutes.
78
What principle should be applied to exercise for those starting out?
Progressive overload.
79
What are appropriate exercise options for very obese individuals?
* Swimming * Walking in water * Cycling
80
When should pharmacological agents be considered for weight management?
After lifestyle approaches have proven unsuccessful.
81
What is the BMI threshold for considering weight-loss medications?
At least 30 or greater than 27 with obesity-related comorbidities.
82
Which weight-loss medications are currently listed in Australia?
* Liraglutide * Semaglutide * Orlistat * Phentermine * Fluoxetine
83
What is the mechanism of action for Liraglutide?
Slows gastric emptying and increases feelings of fullness.
84
What weight loss can be expected from Semaglutide in 68 weeks?
14.9% body weight loss.
85
What is the primary action of Orlistat?
Prevents the absorption of dietary fat.
86
What are the common side effects of Orlistat?
* Diarrhoea * Flatulence * Abdominal pain * Faecal incontinence
87
What is the weight loss achieved with Phentermine after 1 year?
8.8 kg.
88
For how long is Phentermine approved for use?
3 months.
89
What are some inappropriate agents for weight loss?
* Laxatives * Thyroxine * Diuretics
90
What is the purpose of bariatric surgery?
To aid weight loss by altering the digestive system.
91
What BMI is typically required for bariatric surgery?
Greater than 40 or greater than 35 with serious comorbidities.
92
What is a vertically banded gastroplasty?
A combination of banding and stapling of the upper stomach to create a small pouch.
93
What is the Roux-en-Y bypass procedure?
Bypasses most of the stomach and duodenum, creating a small pouch attached directly to the jejunum.
94
What is a laparoscopically adjustable gastric banding?
Involves inserting a band to create a small stomach pouch without removing any part of the stomach.
95
What is the effect of bariatric surgery on cardiovascular risks?
Reduced risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular events, and mortality.
96
What are potential complications of weight loss?
* Gallbladder disease * Alteration in bone density
97
How can long-term bone density be improved post-weight loss?
By undertaking weight-bearing activities and ensuring adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.
