Obesity

Question 1

Facts around obesity

Answer 1

70% of women are obese
31% of men are obese
82% of teens eat fast food once a week
13% of children in SA are obese

Question 2

Define obesity

Answer 2

Excess body fat that could impair health

Question 3

How to calculate BMI

Answer 3

Weight (kg) / Height (m²)

Question 4

BMI ranges

Answer 4

< 18.5 = Underweight
18.8 - 24.9 = Normal
25 - 29.9 = Overweight
30 - 40 = Obese
> 40 = Very obese

Question 5

Factors of obesity

Answer 5

Inactivity: without activity you do not burn as many kilojoules

Diet: high kilojoule diets, not eating a healthy breakfast

Pregnancy: increased body weight after birth is not always lost, after many pregnancies can cause obesity

Lack of sleep: disturb body hormones, increase appetite, crave high kilojoule foods for energy

Drugs: medications lead to weight gain, diabetes medication, steroids, beta blockers, anti-seizure medication, antipsychotic medications and antidepressants

Medical conditions: diseases lead to storing more fat, Cushing Syndrome. Dieases lower metabolic rate, Hypothyroidism. Diseases lead to decreased activity, arthritis or paraplegia

Genetics: affect amount of fat we store and where

Family lifestyle: lifestyle lead by family and diet

Age: lose muscles as we age, reduces metabolism and leads to fat gain

Question 6

Complications of obesity

Answer 6

Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, gall bladder disease, Osteoarthritis, poor wound healing, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and triglycerides, metabolic syndrome, cancer, depression, sexual problems, social isolation, physical disability, discomfort

Question 7

Treatment of Obesity

Answer 7

Dietary changes
Exercise
Behaviour changes
Prescription medication
Weightloss surgery

Question 8

Dietary changes needed to treat Obesity

Answer 8

Minimally processed foods
Whole grain food
Low GI food
Smaller portions
Limit salt, sugar and fat
Do not skip breakfast
Avoid fast food
Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water

Question 9

Lifestyle changes needed to treat Obesity

Answer 9

Exercise 2. 5 to 5 hours a week
Do not skip breakfast
Do not eat in front of TV
Eat small portions

Question 10

What needs to change in South Africa to reduce Obesity

Answer 10

Restrict advertising
Improve and implement school meals
Taxation
Subsidies for healthy food