Obesity

Question 1

What is the definition of obesity?

Answer 1

• abnormally high % of body fat, generalised or localised

Question 2

What is the definition of overweight?

Answer 2

• increase body weight above a standard defined in relation to height

Question 3

What are some ways to estimate body fat?

Answer 3

• anthropometry
• bioelectrical impedance test
• body density
• ultrasound
• CT scan
• magnetic resonance
• dual energy x-ray absorption

Question 4

Why is an apple shape worse than a pear shape for obese people?

Answer 4

• abdominal / central fat more metabolically active in pathogenesis; deposited around abdominal organs, releases fatty acids into hepatic portal vein, changes to liver metabolism

Question 5

How does homeostasis influence our appetites when we are full?

Answer 5

• stretch receptors in stomach
• release of insulin from pancreas
• release of protein YY and cholecystokinin from GI tract
• release of leptin from adipose tissue
• act on hypothalamus to decrease appetite

Question 6

What are some diseases that may lead to obesity?

Answer 6

• e.g. hypothyroidism, cushing’s syndrome, hyperinsulinaemia
• adverse drug effects
• e.g. steroids, antipsychotics, antidepressants, DM2 meds