Obesity

Question 1

Why is it difficult to maintain weight loss

Answer 1

Adaptive thermogenesis
- weight loss can be seen as a threat to the body
- the body can cause abnormal drop in resting metabolic rate
- The lower the RMR the lower the calorie diet required to ensure intake < output so weight loss can occur

Question 2

What is the resting metabolic rate determined by

Answer 2

Fat mass/ fat free mass

So RMR is higher in obesity
& falls with weight loss

Question 3

What happens to RMR with weight loss

Answer 3

RMR naturally drops with weight loss
But adaptive thermogenesis can cause it to drop much more than it should

Question 4

What must happen in order to lose weight

Answer 4

Energy intake must be less than energy output

Question 5

How does RMR affect energy intake

Answer 5

Low RMR => increased energy intake
(& so harder to lose weight, must further restrict calories &/ increase energy uptake)

Question 6

What is the current treatment for obesity & what new drug may be used in the future

Answer 6

1. Initial treatment - diet & exercises modification
2. Most effective long term - bariatric surgery
3. Future possibility? - GLP1 agonist