Lecture 30: Obesity

Question 1

What are the uses of epidemiology in obesity

Answer 1

It is descriptive : shows the current trends and burdens, 2. Predictive: Helps to project future burden

3. Explanatory: changes over time and differences between populations
4. Evaluative: helps to see if treatment is effective

Question 2

What is the global trend in obesity rates

Answer 2

% of overweight ppl increasing. Different regions with different rates, with fastest in Polynesia and micronesia and lowest in wealthy east asian countries.

Question 3

What is the justification for environmental interventions

Answer 3

All age groups and populations are increasing simultaneously so environmental driver is marked rather than individual intergenerational failure -> obesogenic environment

Question 4

What is the stereotypic progression of obesity pandemic

Answer 4

starts in women, middle aged, high SES, urban then progresses to men, children, low SES and rural.

Question 5

What changes the trend in obesity of different populations = variations in obesity trends in populations

Answer 5

Moderators (sociocultural, built env, governance) accentuate or attenutate the mediators which are the factors through which drivers operate to produce outcomes

Question 6

What are the major reasons for global rise in obesity

Answer 6

FOOD SYSTEM products, prices, placement and promotion that create passive overconsumption- cheaper, more available calories
CHANGES TO LIFESTYLE: built environment, fewer active transport, sedentary lifestyle and work
POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DRIVERS:consumerism = good for economy also policy inertia due to food industry opposition, government reluctance to tax and lack of sufficient public demand.

Question 7

What is obesity trends related to HIC, LMIC

Answer 7

There is a social gradient in HIC and LMIC most affected are middle aged in urban esp women
Underdeveloped countries face double burden of disease .

Question 8

What is the obesogenic environment

Answer 8

The sum of influences that surroundings/opportunities/ conditions of life have on promoting obesity in individuals and populations. Has Physical, economic, policy and socio-cultural aspects.

Question 9

What are the 4 consequences of obesity

Answer 9

Metabolic, mechanical, psychological and social problems