Obesity And Metabolic Diseases Flashcards
What are the components of metabolic syndrome?
Dyslipidaemia, increased blood pressure, high glucose levels, and abdominal obesity (VAT).
Why is visceral adipose tissue (VAT) more concerning than subcutaneous fat?
VAT is metabolically active, producing inflammatory cytokines and adipokines, which contribute to insulin resistance, systemic inflammation, and increased cardiovascular disease risk.
How does exercise help manage dyslipidaemia?
Exercise improves lipid profiles by increasing HDL (good cholesterol) and reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.
What are the long-term risks of hyperglycaemia?
Hyperglycaemia can cause peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic ketoacidosis, leading to nerve damage, vision loss, and life-threatening conditions.
Quick Facts
• Fact: VAT is an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome, contributing to inflammation and insulin resistance.
• Fact: HIIT is highly effective in reducing VAT compared to steady-state exercise.
• Fact: Aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and increasing HDL levels.
• Fact: A daily walking routine of 10,000 steps significantly improves glucose tolerance.
• Fact: High blood pressure reduces blood flow and oxygen supply, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Subcutaneous fat is a major contributor to systemic inflammation.
False. VAT, not subcutaneous fat, significantly contributes to systemic inflammation.
Regular exercise can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
True
Dyslipidaemia refers to the imbalance of lipids, including ______ and ______, leading to cardiovascular risks.
LDL, HDL.
The hormonal activity of VAT involves the production of inflammatory markers like ______, ______, and ______.
TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6.
Which exercise type is most effective in reducing visceral fat?
A. Steady-state walking
B. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
C. Yoga
D. Light stretching
B. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).
Which condition is NOT associated with metabolic syndrome?
A. Abdominal obesity
B. Increased HDL levels
C. Dyslipidaemia
D. Hypertension
B. Increased HDL levels
Scenario: Sarah, 40, has metabolic syndrome and struggles with glucose regulation. She commits to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity walking daily.
Q: How will this benefit her health?
Walking improves glucose tolerance, reduces VAT, lowers blood pressure, and enhances cardiovascular health.
John, 55, engages in a 16-week HIIT program to reduce VAT.
Q: Why is HIIT effective for VAT reduction?
HIIT increases metabolic rate and fat oxidation during and after exercise, effectively targeting metabolically active fat like VAT.
Case: A study demonstrated that high-intensity exercise reduced VAT more significantly than low-intensity training. It also improved lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity.
Q: What mechanisms explain these outcomes?
High-intensity exercise boosts fat oxidation, reduces systemic inflammation, and improves hormonal responses, leading to better metabolic health.
VAT
Fat stored around organs, highly metabolically active, contributing to inflammation and insulin resistance
Dyslipidaemia
Imbalance of lipids (e.g., high LDL, low HDL), increasing cardiovascular risk.
Hyperglycaemia
Elevated blood glucose levels that, over time, damage nerves, eyes, and organs
