Nutrition Disorders: Overnutrition

Question 1

What is the definition of obesity?

Answer 1

Obesity is a disorder in which excess body fat has accumulated to an extent that health may be adversely affected, according to the World Health Organisation.

Question 2

What does the new NICE guidance recommend for assessing obesity in individuals with a BMI <35kg/m2?

Answer 2

The new NICE guidance suggests considering waist/hip ratio in people with a BMI <35kg/m2.

Question 3

What is the BMI cutoff for overweight in the Asian population?

Answer 3

The BMI cutoff for overweight in the Asian population is >25kg/m2.

Question 4

What is the BMI cutoff for obesity in the Asian population?

Answer 4

The BMI cutoff for obesity in the Asian population is >30kg/m2, or >27.5kg/m2 for obese Asian individuals.

Question 5

What is the criterion for central obesity in men?

Answer 5

The criterion for central obesity in men is a waist circumference of >= 94cm (or 90cm for Asian men).

Question 6

What is the criterion for central obesity in women?

Answer 6

The criterion for central obesity in women is a waist circumference of >= 80cm (or 77cm for Asian women).

Question 7

What is general obesity?

Answer 7

General obesity refers to the distribution of fat over the whole body.

Question 8

What is central abdominal obesity?

Answer 8

Central abdominal obesity is characterized by the distribution of fat mainly in the chest and abdomen.

Question 9

How does central abdominal obesity compare to general obesity in terms of health risks?

Answer 9

Central abdominal obesity is associated with higher risks of diabetes, raised blood lipids, and greater cardiovascular morbidity and mortality compared to general obesity.

Question 10

How are weight categories determined in children under 5 years of age?

Answer 10

For children under 5 years of age, overweight is defined as weight-for-height greater than 2 standard deviations above the WHO Child Growth Standards median, while obesity is defined as weight-for-height greater than 3 standard deviations above the WHO Child Growth Standards median.

Question 11

How are weight categories determined in children aged between 5-19 years?

Answer 11

For children aged between 5-19 years, overweight is defined as BMI-for-age greater than 1 standard deviation above the WHO Growth Reference median, while obesity is defined as BMI-for-age greater than 2 standard deviations above the WHO Growth Reference median.

Question 12

How does income affect weight gain?

Answer 12

Low-income individuals tend to consume fewer fruits and vegetables but consume more calories, which can contribute to weight gain.

Question 13

How does education impact weight gain?

Answer 13

Higher education is often associated with more knowledge about nutrition, which can lead to healthier food choices. Additionally, energy expenditure tends to be inversely associated with education, meaning higher education levels are linked to higher physical activity levels, reducing the likelihood of weight gain.

Question 14

How does marriage influence weight gain?

Answer 14

Obese individuals tend to marry later and are more likely to marry partners who are also obese, which can contribute to weight gain within the marriage.

Question 15

What is the relationship between parenthood and weight gain?

Answer 15

Weight tends to increase with each child, primarily affecting women. The demands of parenting may lead to changes in lifestyle and less time for physical activity, contributing to weight gain.

Question 16

How does living alone in older age impact weight?

Answer 16

Older people who live alone are more likely to be underweight, potentially due to factors such as social isolation, decreased appetite, or difficulties with meal preparation and eating.

Question 17

How does mental health relate to weight gain?

Answer 17

Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or stress, can be associated with weight gain. Emotional eating and changes in appetite and physical activity patterns are common in individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

Question 18

How has worldwide obesity changed since 1975?

Answer 18

Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017.

Question 19

How many overweight adults and obese individuals were there in 2016?

Answer 19

In 2016, there were approximately 1.9 billion overweight adults and 650 million obese individuals globally.

Question 20

What percentage of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight and obese in 2016?

Answer 20

In 2016, 39% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight, and 13% were obese.

Question 21

How does overweight and obesity compare to underweight in terms of mortality?

Answer 21

Most of the world’s population lives in countries where overweight and obesity cause more deaths than underweight.

Question 22

How many people die each year due to being overweight or obese?

Answer 22

As of 2017, more than 2.8 million people die annually as a result of being overweight or obese.

Question 23

In which regions of the world are more people obese than underweight?

Answer 23

Globally, more people are obese than underweight in every region except sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

Question 24

In which countries are overweight and obesity increasing, particularly in urban settings?

Answer 24

Overweight and obesity are rising in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings.

Question 25

How did obesity prevalence change in England between 1993 and 2000?

Answer 25

Obesity prevalence in England increased steeply between 1993 and around 2000, with a slower rate of increase afterward.

Question 26

Which age groups have the highest rates of overweight and obesity in England?

Answer 26

In England, the highest rates of overweight are observed among men between 55 and 64 years old (82%) and women between 65 and 74 years old (70%). The highest rates of obesity are seen in men aged 45 to 54 (36%) and women aged 55 to 64 (37%).

Question 27

How many children under the age of 5 were overweight or obese in 2019 globally?

Answer 27

In 2019, it was estimated that 38 million children under the age of 5 were overweight or obese worldwide.

Question 28

How many children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight or obese in 2016 globally?

Answer 28

In 2016, over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight or obese worldwide.

Question 29

How has the prevalence of overweight or obese children and adolescents changed globally between 1975 and 2016?

Answer 29

From 1975 to 2016, the prevalence of overweight or obese children and adolescents aged 5-19 years increased from 4% to 18% globally.

Question 30

Where do the majority of overweight or obese children live?

Answer 30

The vast majority of overweight or obese children live in developing countries, according to the World Health Organization.

Question 31

What was the obesity prevalence in the Reception year (4-5 years old) in England in 2018-19?

Answer 31

In 2018-19, the obesity prevalence in the Reception year was 9.7%, which increased slightly from 9.5% in 2017/18.

Question 32

What was the obesity prevalence in Year 6 (10-11 years old) in England in 2018-19?

Answer 32

In 2018-19, the obesity prevalence in Year 6 was 20.2%, similar to the rate observed in 2017/18.

Question 33

Which gender has a higher obesity prevalence in both age groups?

Answer 33

In both the Reception year and Year 6, obesity prevalence is higher among boys compared to girls.

Question 34

How does obesity prevalence vary based on the deprivation level of the area?

Answer 34

For both the Reception year and Year 6, children living in the most deprived areas have an obesity prevalence more than double that of those living in the least deprived areas.

Question 35

What changes occur at the cellular and metabolic levels due to increased mass of fat?

Answer 35

Increased mass of fat in the body leads to changes at cellular and metabolic levels, affecting various physiological processes.

Question 36

How does increased weight affect joints?

Answer 36

Increased weight places additional stress on the joints, leading to increased wear and tear, which can contribute to joint problems and pain.

Question 37

How does obesity impact the respiratory system?

Answer 37

Obesity can cause increased fat around the airway, leading to a higher risk of conditions such as asthma and sleep apnea.

Question 38

How does increased fat in the blood alter the insulin response?

Answer 38

Increased fat in the blood can disrupt insulin response and contribute to insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Question 39

What are some independent effects of associated inactivity in obesity?

Answer 39

Inactivity associated with obesity can have independent effects on health, separate from the effects of excess weight, including reduced cardiovascular fitness and increased risk of chronic diseases.

Question 40

What are some health impacts of obesity in children?

Answer 40

In children, obesity is associated with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, increased asthma risk, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular damage, musculoskeletal issues, and mental health concerns such as low self-esteem and emotional/behavioral problems.

Question 41

What are some cancer risks associated with obesity in adults?

Answer 41

Obesity is linked to an increased risk of developing various types of cancer.

Question 42

What reproductive and urological problems are associated with obesity in adults?

Answer 42

Obesity can contribute to reproductive issues and urological problems in adults.

Question 43

How does obesity impact the respiratory system in adults?

Answer 43

Obesity is associated with respiratory conditions such as sleep apnea and asthma.

Question 44

What liver disease risks are associated with obesity?

Answer 44

Obesity increases the risk of developing liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Question 45

What gastrointestinal issues are linked to obesity?

Answer 45

Obesity can lead to gastro-oesophageal reflux, gallstones, and pancreatitis.

Question 46

How does obesity affect psychological and social well-being in adults?

Answer 46

Obesity is associated with low self-esteem, increased stress, social disadvantage, depression, and reduced libido.

Question 47

How are health risks assessed for overweight or obese adults according to NICE guidelines?

Answer 47

For individuals with a BMI <35kg/m², the assessment of health risks associated with being overweight or obese is based on both BMI and waist circumference. A BMI of ≥35kg/m² is assumed to have very high risks regardless of waist circumference.

Question 48

What were some policy interventions outlined in the ‘A call to action on obesity’ (2011) report?

Answer 48

The report emphasized policy interventions such as encouraging businesses to include calorie information, reducing portion size, reducing salt content, and implementing the Traffic Light system for food labeling.

Question 49

What was the Public Health Responsibility Deal in relation to obesity?

Answer 49

The Public Health Responsibility Deal was a voluntary agreement between the UK government and businesses to encourage actions that promote public health, including measures to tackle obesity.

Question 50

What is the Sugar Tax?

Answer 50

The Sugar Tax refers to the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages implemented as a public health measure to reduce sugar consumption and tackle obesity.

Question 51

What role do local authorities play in tackling obesity?

Answer 51

Local authorities have a role in public health through initiatives such as Health and Wellbeing Boards, which coordinate efforts to address obesity and promote health at the local level.

Question 52

What are some education/campaign initiatives to tackle obesity?

Answer 52

Initiatives include “Chuck junk off the checkouts,” Change4Life, One You, Public Health Schools Programme, and TV advertising campaigns focused on promoting healthy lifestyles.

Question 53

What strategies can be used to achieve an energy deficit and reduce energy intake?

Answer 53

Strategies such as motivational interviewing and behavior change techniques can be employed to help individuals modify their eating habits. Additionally, implementing specific diets can assist in reducing calorie intake.

Question 54

What are some options for medical interventions to address obesity?

Answer 54

Medical interventions include the use of drugs specifically designed to aid weight loss and, in severe cases, bariatric surgery may be considered.

Question 55

What are the levels of intervention in decision making for obesity treatment?

Answer 55

The levels of intervention include:

Level 1: General advice on achieving a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Level 2: Focus on diet and physical health improvement.
Level 3: Emphasis on both diet and physical activity, with consideration for drug therapy.
Level 4: Integration of diet, physical activity, potential drug therapy, and evaluation of suitability for bariatric surgery.

Question 56

What is the aim of all strategy options for tackling obesity?

Answer 56

All strategy options aim to reduce the amount of energy consumed and/or increase the amount of energy expended in order to create an energy deficit for weight loss.

Question 57

What is the role of motivational interviewing and behavior change in obesity treatment?

Answer 57

Motivational interviewing and behavior change techniques are used to help individuals modify their habits, attitudes, and behaviors related to eating and physical activity to support weight loss.

Question 58

What role do diets play in obesity management?

Answer 58

Diets, such as calorie-restricted diets or specific dietary approaches, are implemented to reduce energy intake and promote weight loss.

Question 59

What are the options for medical interventions in obesity treatment?

Answer 59

Medical interventions include the use of weight-loss drugs specifically designed to aid in weight reduction. In severe cases, bariatric surgery may be considered as a treatment option.

Question 60

: What are the different levels of intervention in obesity treatment decision making?

Answer 60

The levels of intervention are as follows:

Level 1: Providing general advice on achieving a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Level 2: Focusing on diet and physical health improvement.
Level 3: Incorporating both diet and physical activity, with the consideration of using weight-loss drugs.
Level 4: Integrating diet, physical activity, potential drug therapy, and evaluating the suitability for bariatric surgery.

Question 61

What is a realistic initial target for weight loss?

Answer 61

A realistic initial target for weight loss is typically 5-10% of a person’s body weight.