Aspects of Obesity

Question 1

At its simplest obesity can be viewed as an imbalance of the ‘energy in-energy-out’.

Answer 1

T

Question 2

Another way to look at increasing obesity is in an evolutionary context

Answer 2

T

Question 3

What does thrifty genotype?

Answer 3

Another way to look at increasing obesity is in an evolutionary context. Homo sapiens has spent most of his/her existence in an environment where food was not always plentiful – and therefore evolved a genotype that optimised response to feeding opportunities. This is the so-called ‘thrifty genotype’. It is a maladaptation in an environment where access to food is to all intents and purposes constant. It also helps to explain the rising prevalence of obesity. A subset of the population may be genetically more ’thrifty’ than others and therefore more susceptible to put on weight.

One of the phenotypic expressions of the thrifty genotype is insulin resistance. Obesity signifies excess stored metabolic fuel. In this context, it makes complete sense for obese subjects to develop resistance to a hormone one of the purposes of which is to lay down such fuel.

Question 4

what might these thrifty genes be?

Answer 4

Studies shows that the FTO gene implicated in the may exert its impact on BMI by affecting food intake – may cause people to eat more.
Studies show that there are genotypes that associate with BMI anf weight.

Question 5

why obese ppl have diabetes?

Answer 5

Obese people are resistant to the actions of insulin. This causes a compensatory rise in secretion of insulin as pancreas tries to overcome the resistance. Eventually the pancreas can no longer keep up, and it is at this point that the patient becomes hyperglycaemic and develops diabetes.

Question 6

What is adipokines?

Answer 6

Proteins/peptides secreted by adipocytes are called adipokines; e.g. leptin ad adiponectin

Question 7

Explain how Adipocytes and macrophages share overlapping functions?

Answer 7

Both can secrete cytokines, and store fat, for example. Normally their functions are quite distinct. But in obesity find that adipocytes secrete cytokines, and macrophages accumulate fat, becoming foam cells in the process. Foam cells are found in atherosclerotic plaques.

Question 8

Hypocaloric?

Answer 8

Means that the number of calories you eat must be less than the number you use up

Options are:
Portion control/calorie counting
Low COH
Low fat
Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD)
Meal replacement e.g. Slim Fast