consequences of energy imbalance- lqc 10

Question 1

How do you maintain a healthy weight?

Answer 1

Energy balance - an equal energy input (energy consumed in diet) to energy output/use (expenditure)

Question 2

What happens in the body if you take in more energy than you use?

Answer 2

• excess energy is stored as FAT (and glucose as glycogen)
• BMI increases
• can lead to obesity (BMI over 30)

Question 3

List some of the health consequences of being overweight/ obese (from energy imbalance)?

Answer 3

• High blood pressure / hypertension. This can damage the endothelium of the artery wall increasing the risk of atherosclerosis
• High blood cholesterol levels (higher LDL:HDL ratio) increase risk of atheroma’s forming leading to atherosclerosis which narrows the lumen of arteries
• Increased risk of CHD (coronary heart disease) caused by the narrowing of the coronary arteries – increased risk of blood clot blocking them and reducing blood flow and oxygen to heart muscle
• Increased risk of a stroke due a reduced blood flow and oxygen to brain tissue as a result of the narrowing of arteries
• Increased risk of type II diabetes due to reduced sensitivity of insulin receptors