Malnutrition And Obesity Flashcards
Why would vitamin and mineral deficiencies be of concern to public health?
Because vitamins and minerals are essential for:
- Maintenance of healthy RBCs, connective tissue and nervous system
- Protection of cells from antioxidants
- Absorption and utilisation of nutrients
- Protein processing and DNA synthesis
- Normal growth and development in children
Define ‘malnutrition’.
Deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or impaired nutrient utilisation. Can lead to obesity, under-weight, vitamin/mineral deficiencies.
Worldwide, how many people suffer from malnutrition?
Almost 1 in 3.
According to a UNICEF report from 2017, how many children are living with adults who report experiencing severe food insecurity?
1 in 10
According to an AgeUK report from 2014, how many pensioners in the UK are living in poverty?
1 in 7
How many people over the age of 65 are estimated to suffering from, or at risk of, malnutrition?
1.3 million people
Of those admitted to hospital, how many elderly people are at risk of malnutrition?
One third.
According to an AgeUK report from 2017, spending on services such as home carers, meals on wheels and day care has dropped by how much?
1 billion pounds over previous 5 years
What is the WHO criteria for severe acute malnutrition?
Below 3 standard deviations of median weight for height, visible severe wasting or presence of nutritional oedema.
What is the WHO criteria for moderate malnutrition?
Weight loss and 2 to 3 standard deviations below the median weight for height.
What is the WHO criteria for mild malnutrition?
Weight loss and 1 to 2 standard deviations below the median weight for height.
What tool can be used to investigate if an individual is over or under weight?
BMI
What is the formula for BMI?
BMI = weight (kgs) / height^2 (m)
Adults are considered overweight if their BMI exceeds…
25
Adults are considered obese if their BMI exceeds…
30
Why is a child with a BMI of 30 not necessarily obese?
Children’s BMI varies throughout the normal processes of growth
How are population trends (relating to BMI) calculated?
By comparing the distribution of BMI with historic BMI distributions (usually 1990) as the best proxy measurement.
List some medial problems that can be associated with obesity.
- Type 2 diabetes
- Ischaemic heart disease
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Hypertension
- Some cancers (breast, renal, colon)
- Psychological problems
What social problems can be associated with obesity?
- Body image dichotomy
- Difficulty engaging in some common social activities e.g. gyms, employment
- Stigma (internal and external)
What economic problems can be associated with obesity?
- Sick leave
2. Cost to NHS of treating obesity/obesity related disease
How have levels of adult and child obesity in Scotland changed over time?
They have risen
How do obesity levels differ according to the level of deprivation where people live?
Generally, though not always, the most deprived tends to be more obese than the least deprived.
