Obesity

Question 1

Define Obesity?

Answer 1

A BMI > 30 kg/m^2

Question 2

What else can Obesity be defined by?

Answer 2

Waist circumference
Men:
Low risk = < 94 cm
Very High Risk = > 102 cm

Women:

• Low risk = < 80 cm
• Very High Risk = > 88 cm

Question 3

What is the aetiology of Obesity?

Answer 3

There are genetic factors that affect the risk of becoming 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

Question 4

What is the epidemiology of Obesity?

Answer 4

24% of men and 25% of women are obese

Question 5

What are the presenting symptoms and signs of Obesity?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

What invesigations would you do for Obesity?

Answer 6

Measure serum lipids
Measure HbA1c
Hormone profile (check for hormonal cause of obesity)
TFTs - hypothyrodism can cause obesity
Other investigations depending on comorbidities