Obesity Flashcards
Definition
A BMI > 30 kg/m2
o Can also be defined using waist circumference:
· Men
§ Low Risk = < 94 cm
§ Very High Risk = > 102 cm
· Women
§ Low Risk = < 80 cm
§ Very High Risk = > 88 cm
Aetiology/Risk factors
· There are genetic factors that affect the risk of become obese
· There are a few monogenic forms of obesity (e.g. leptin deficiency, Prader-Willi syndrome)
· Common obesity is caused by energy intake > energy usage
Epidemiology
24% of men and 25% of women are obese
Presenting symptoms and signs on physical examination
· Noticing that you’re fat
· Routine health check
· Symptoms of complications (e.g. T2DM, coronary heart disease, obstructive sleep apnoea)
· High body weight, BMI and waist circumference
Investigations
· Measure serum lipids
· Measure HbA1c
· Hormone profile (check for hormonal cause of obesity)
· TFTs - hypothyroidism can cause obesity
· Other investigations depending on comorbidities