Obesity

Question 1

How does obesity prevalence change with age?

Answer 1

Increases with age in the range of 16-74 years but decreases after 75.

Question 2

Describe the trends in obesity by social class.

Answer 2

The trend in obesity prevalence by social class differs by sex. For all social classes prevalence of obesity among men has increased between 1994 and 2009; men from the skilled manual class consistently have the highest obesity prevalence and professional men the lowest prevalence.

Question 3

How do trends in waist circumference differ between the sexes?

Answer 3

The prevalence of raised waist circumference is higher among women than men. Both sexes have seen an increase since 1993

Question 4

Give two independent predictors of obesity-related ill-health.

Answer 4

BMI

Waist circumference

Question 5

At what BMI would you consider pharmacological intervention?

Answer 5

> 30

Question 6

At what BMI would you consider surgical intervention?

Answer 6

> 40 or >35+other significant disease (TiiDM, CVD etc)

Question 7

Give a realistic weight loss goal in terms of kg/week.

Answer 7

0.5-1.0

Question 8

Give a realistic weight loss goal in terms of initial percentage weight reduction.

Answer 8

5-10%

Question 9

What are the criteria for prescribing orlistat?

Answer 9

Orlistat should be prescribed only as part of an overall plan for managing obesity in adults who meet one of the following criteria: a BMI of 28.0 kg/m2 or more with associated risk factors or a BMI of 30.0 kg/m2 or more. (Affects fat absorption)