Advising Patients on Obesity

Question 1

What is meant by the ‘locus of control’ psychological concept of behaviour change?

Answer 1

Expectancy that rewards are controlled by external forces rather than one’s own behaviour (lack of accountability)

Question 2

What is meant by the ‘self-efficacy’ psychological concept of behaviour change?

Answer 2

Action is a function of the perceived likelihood of illness, it’s seriousness and the costs/benefits of the action

Question 3

What is meant by the ‘health belief model’ psychological concept of behaviour change?

Answer 3

Belief in the ability to succeed (this is task-specific)

Question 4

What are the 5 stages of behaviour change?

Answer 4

1. Pre-contemplation (happy with status quo)
2. Contemplation (thinks about change)
3. Preparation (getting ready)
4. Action (attempting change)
5. Maintenance or Relapse (doing well or reverts to old ways)

Question 5

What are the two main surgical treatments of obesity?

Answer 5

Roux-en-Y bypass (restrictive and malabsorption) or a band

Question 6

What drugs may be used in the treatment of onbesity?

Answer 6

> Liraglutide (GLP-1 agonist) - increases satiety and slows stomach emptying
Orlistat - blocks absorption of 1/3 of consumed fat in the gut –> oil leakage, flatulence, diarrhoea and spotting if too much fat is taken