Obesity Flashcards
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines obesity as a BMI over what?
30
What is obesity?
A dietary disorder caused when excess kilocalories are stored as fat, resulting in excessive weight gain.
Someone who is ‘pear’ shaped stores get around where?
Hips
Thighs
Bottom
More likely to be females.
Someone who is ‘apple’ shaped stored fat around where?
Stomach
More likely to be men.
Being obese is a major risk factor for what other diseases?
Cardiovascular disease
Hypertension
Type 2 diabetes
Joint disorders eg. Osteoarthritis
Some cancers
What are some dietary factors that may contribute to the development of obesity?
- Increased consumption of energy dense foods: high in calories, fat and sugar.
- Overconsumption of fast, processed and treat foods.
- Larger portion sizes
- Increased snacking and grazing
- Comfort eating
- High intake of sugary drinks
How can lack of physical activity contribute to the development of obesity?
Being inactive increases your risk of obesity as any extra energy (kilocalories) that is not used by the body is stored as fat.
This is more common in sedentary occupations such as an office worker.
How can lack of sleep contribute to the development of obesity?
Sleep deprivation.
Lack of sleep changes the levels of the hunger hormones, causing people to have a larger appetite and over consuming, which if done long term can contribute to obesity.
A lack of sleep may also affect the brain’s capacity to make healthy choices.
What are some other factors that may contribute to obesity?
- Genetic traits such as a large appetite
- Certain medications linked to hormones eg. An under active thyroid gland can contribute to obesity
- Certain medications such as steroids which can increase appetite and if taken long term contribute towards excessive weight gain.
How can energy intake contribute to obesity?
The most common cause of obesity is an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure.
Increased consumption of energy-dense foods high in calories, fat and sugar, together with decreased levels of physical activity, negatively affects energy balance and leads to weight gain.
How can energy expenditure manage obesity?
To help maintain a healthy weight the Eatwell Guide recommends:
Adult males should not exceed 2500 kcals
Adult females should not exceed 2000 kcals
What is some dietary advice that can help to manage obesity?
Eat more fruit, vegetables, pulses and wholegrains
Choose lower fat, lower sugar dairy options
Drink 6-8 glasses of fluid a day
Check food labels carefully
Eat treat foods less often and in smaller amounts
What is some physical activity advice that can help manage obesity?
The government recommends that:
Children should engage in 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity daily.
Adults should aim for approximately 150 minutes per week.
What are the benefits of physical activity in regards to managing obesity?
Physical activity has benefits for not only controlling body weight over the long term but also in controlling appetite.
What is the recommended sleep amount for adults and children to help manage obesity?
Adults need 7.5-9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best.
Children and adolescents need even more, 8-11 hours per night.
