Malnutrition And Obesity

Question 1

Why would vitamin and mineral deficiencies be of concern to public health?

Answer 1

Because vitamins and minerals are essential for:

1. Maintenance of healthy RBCs, connective tissue and nervous system
2. Protection of cells from antioxidants
3. Absorption and utilisation of nutrients
4. Protein processing and DNA synthesis
5. Normal growth and development in children

Question 2

Define ‘malnutrition’.

Answer 2

Deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or impaired nutrient utilisation. Can lead to obesity, under-weight, vitamin/mineral deficiencies.

Question 3

Worldwide, how many people suffer from malnutrition?

Answer 3

Almost 1 in 3.

Question 4

According to a UNICEF report from 2017, how many children are living with adults who report experiencing severe food insecurity?

Answer 4

1 in 10

Question 5

According to an AgeUK report from 2014, how many pensioners in the UK are living in poverty?

Answer 5

1 in 7

Question 6

How many people over the age of 65 are estimated to suffering from, or at risk of, malnutrition?

Answer 6

1.3 million people

Question 7

Of those admitted to hospital, how many elderly people are at risk of malnutrition?

Answer 7

One third.

Question 8

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?

Answer 8

1 billion pounds over previous 5 years

Question 9

What is the WHO criteria for severe acute malnutrition?

Answer 9

Below 3 standard deviations of median weight for height, visible severe wasting or presence of nutritional oedema.

Question 10

What is the WHO criteria for moderate malnutrition?

Answer 10

Weight loss and 2 to 3 standard deviations below the median weight for height.

Question 11

What is the WHO criteria for mild malnutrition?

Answer 11

Weight loss and 1 to 2 standard deviations below the median weight for height.

Question 12

What tool can be used to investigate if an individual is over or under weight?

Answer 12

BMI

Question 13

What is the formula for BMI?

Answer 13

BMI = weight (kgs) / height^2 (m)

Question 14

Adults are considered overweight if their BMI exceeds…

Answer 14

25

Question 15

Adults are considered obese if their BMI exceeds…

Answer 15

30

Question 16

Why is a child with a BMI of 30 not necessarily obese?

Answer 16

Children’s BMI varies throughout the normal processes of growth

Question 17

How are population trends (relating to BMI) calculated?

Answer 17

By comparing the distribution of BMI with historic BMI distributions (usually 1990) as the best proxy measurement.

Question 18

List some medial problems that can be associated with obesity.

Answer 18

1. Type 2 diabetes
2. Ischaemic heart disease
3. Cerebrovascular disease
4. Osteoarthritis
5. Hypertension
6. Some cancers (breast, renal, colon)
7. Psychological problems

Question 19

What social problems can be associated with obesity?

Answer 19

1. Body image dichotomy
2. Difficulty engaging in some common social activities e.g. gyms, employment
3. Stigma (internal and external)

Question 20

What economic problems can be associated with obesity?

Answer 20

1. Sick leave

2. Cost to NHS of treating obesity/obesity related disease

Question 21

How have levels of adult and child obesity in Scotland changed over time?

Answer 21

They have risen

Question 22

How do obesity levels differ according to the level of deprivation where people live?

Answer 22

Generally, though not always, the most deprived tends to be more obese than the least deprived.