Obesity

Question 1

What is obesity?

Answer 1

• the condition in which excess fat accumulates in the body

Question 2

When is one considered obese?

Answer 2

• when one’s weight is 20% more than their recommended weight

Question 3

What are the risks and health conditions associated with obesity?

Answer 3

• diabetes type 2
• hypertension
• cardiovascular disease
• strokes
• sleep apnea/ snoring/ shortness of breath
• arthritis/ joint pain/ bone pain
• poor wound healing
• dental cavities
• some cancers
• infertility

Question 4

How does obesity cause hypertension?

Answer 4

• makes it more difficult for blood to pump through the heart
• increasing the risk of hypertension
• poor food choices: salty & processed foods

Question 5

How does obesity cause cardiovascular disease?

Answer 5

• places strain on the heart
• due to excess weight, poor diet, cholesterol, sugar, refined carbohydrates

Question 6

How does obesity affect wound healing?

Answer 6

• skin becomes thin and tears
• hygiene
• sores

Question 7

What cancers can be caused by obesity?

Answer 7

• breast
• prostate
• womb
• bowel
• kidney

Question 8

How does obesity cause financial problems in the workplace? What effect does this have?

Answer 8

• associated with healthcare costs that average 40% above others
• significant financial burden
• miss more days of work
• cost employers more in medical and disability claims & workers compensation claims

Question 9

What are the financial implications of obesity?

Answer 9

• medical aid & life insurance premiums
• medical costs (obesity diseases)
• reduced productivity at work
• absenteeism
• benefit payments (government grants, e.g. disability)
• social care costs
• premature mortality
• transport costs
• sugar tax

Question 10

What are the effects of obesity on the wellbeing of children? What financial effects does this cause?

Answer 10

• may not want to go to school
• may drop out
• increased absenteeism
• affects their education
• impacts on the human capital of a country
• less educated = productive = less jobs available

Question 11

What are the causes of obesity?

Answer 11

• energy dense, nutrient poor food
• convenience/fast foods
• excessive portion sizes
• struggle to lose weight after pregnancy
• genetic predisposition
• sedentary lifestyle
• parents pass on poor eating habits to children
• antidepressants, epilepsy medication, birth control
• social class
• lack of education
• expensive to eat healthily

Question 12

What are some solutions to combat obesity?

Answer 12

• education on healthy food/ cooking methods
• outdoor gyms
• parents leading by example
• physical education programmes in school
• limit screen time

Question 13

What is BMI?

Answer 13

Body Mass Index: body mass in relation to height

Question 14

What is the equation to calculate BMI?

Answer 14

• BMI = weight (kg) / height (m2)

Question 15

What BMI is classified underweight?

Answer 15

less than 18,5

Question 16

What BMI is classified as normal?

Answer 16

between 18,5 and 24,9

Question 17

What BMI is classified as overweight?

Answer 17

• 25 - 29,9

Question 18

What BMI is classified as obesity, class 1

Answer 18

30 - 34,9

Question 19

What BMI is classified as obesity, class 2?

Answer 19

• 35 - 39,9

Question 20

What BMI is classified as extreme obesity, class 3?

Answer 20

40 or more

Question 21

What are some nutritional treatments for obesity?

Answer 21

• dietician/therapist to establish relationship with food
• low kilojoule diet
• fruit and vegetables
• low GI (feel fuller, release glucose slowly, aids weight loss)
• avoid alcohol
• avoid sugar rich foods, junk/convenience
• increase water intake
• soluble fibre (feel fuller)
• healthy foods
• limit salt and processed foods
• use healthy cooking methods
• eat more white meat, lean red meat, and fish

Question 22

What are some behavioural/habitual treatments for obesity?

Answer 22

• read food labels
• increased physical activity
• have set meal times
• eat smaller portions
• be aware of hidden fats
• prolong meals
• eat sitting down
• leave the table as soon as the meal ends
• postpone a snack
• eat breakfast
• don’t skip meals

Question 23

Why shouldn’t obese people skip meals?

Answer 23

• sets off a series of metabolic miscues
• can result in abdominal weight gain
• can result in tiredness
• miss out on essential nutrients

Question 24

What should a good weight reducing diet do?

Answer 24

• provide less energy than is needed to maintain body weight
• supply adequate amounts of all nutrients
• be acceptable, affordable and palatable