Obesity Flashcards
obesity - definition
*level of adiposity (% total body mass that is fat) above established population norms
*we use BMI as a calculated surrogate for adiposity
BMI as an index of obesity
*grade I: obesity = BMI 30-35
*grade II: severe obesity = BMI 35-40
*grade III: extreme obesity = BMI > 40
why do we care about obesity as physicians
*obesity is a STRONG RISK FACTOR for developing diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, fatty liver, hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis, cancer
obesity epidemic
*explosive increase in incidence of overweight and obese individuals
*all segments of the population are affected
*obesity has been accompanied by a parallel increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes
association of fat distribution and metabolic syndrome
*increased INTRA-ABDOMINAL fat (as opposed to peripheral fat) is associated with the metabolic syndrome: DM2, HTN, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver disease
*intra-abdominal fat is estimated by waist/hip ratio:
-males < 0.95
-females < 0.80
underlying causes of the obesity epidemic
*environment-human genome interaction (genes evolved to maximize energy storage; environment change > gene evolution)
*lifestyle changes -> decreased energy expenditure
*changes in our food: increased food availability, proliferation of fast food, modern food technology and food processing
initial lifestyle changes to recommend in combatting obesity
*don’t drink your calories: avoid soda and high sugar beverages, reduce alcohol, water is best
*eliminate high-fat, high calorie snacks: eat fresh fruits, nuts, low fat cheese sticks
*read labels at the store
*increase activities of daily living: take the stairs, park in the far lot, walk
benefits of regular physical activity in obese persons
*decreases loss of fat-free mass (muscle) associated with significant weight loss
*improves the ability to maintain weight loss
*improves cardiovascular and metabolic health, independent of weight loss
