Obesity and weight loss

Question 1

Body score percentage overweight

Answer 1

6/9 10% overweight
7/9 20% overweight
8/9 30% overweight
9/9 40% overweight

Question 2

Mean lifespan of an overweight dog

Answer 2

11.2 years

Question 3

Median life span of a lean fed dog

Answer 3

13 years

Question 4

overweight dogs are more likely to get

Answer 4

Hip joint osteoarthritis and worse hip dysplasia

Question 5

What contributes to obesity

Answer 5

Genetic predispositions
Mutation in POMC gene
Increased body weight, increased fat percentage and increased food motivation
Labs (23%) and flat coated retrievers (60%)
Metabolism
Reproductive status
Food intake
How should we measure feeding amounts
Proper measuring tools
10%

Question 6

How to train using treats and still keep them lean

Answer 6

Provide a portion of their daily intake as treats
Other forms of attention
Praise
Physical contact
Play

Question 7

What do you need to obtain from the owner before getting a diet plan in place

Answer 7

Examination
Includes body condition score
Complete dietary history
Type of food, how much, frequency
Treats, supplements, table items, top dressers
Assess current feeding amounts
Are they appropriate
What volume of food is this pet used to eating

Question 8

Determine energy needs and feeding amounts of dog and cat

Answer 8

Dogs
MER= RER x 1.0
MER= 70x(BW target)^0.75
Cats
MER = RER x 0.8
MER = 53x(BWtarget)^0.711

Question 9

Why do we recheck and monitor animals on diets

Answer 9

Starting amounts are estimates
Plateaus are common
Adjustments are expected
Healthy rate of weight loss
Dogs: 1-2% of initial body weight per week
Cats: 0.5-1% (or up to 2%) of initial body weight per week

Question 10

Steps of setting an animals diet

Answer 10

Patient assessment and nutritional history
Calculate ideal body weight
Determine energy needs and feeding amounts
Recheck and monitor
Post weight loss adjustmetne

Question 11

Post weight loss adjustments are

Answer 11

Congratulations! Your patient has achieved their ideal weight! Now what?
The risk of rebound weight gain is great!
Most patients have lower energy needs than their similar-weighted counterparts
Could consider transitioning to a maintenance formula, however need to ensure that we are meeting their nutrient needs!
In many cases, recommendation is to remain on a weight loss formula, but at adjusted amounts..

Question 12

Does the diet matter for weight loss

Answer 12

Patients often require significant energy restriction to achieve weight loss
Restrict calories, not nutrients
Formulas developed for weight loss are formulated to be fed safely at caloric restriction, without restricting essential nutrients