Obesity and weight loss Flashcards
Body score percentage overweight
6/9 10% overweight
7/9 20% overweight
8/9 30% overweight
9/9 40% overweight
Mean lifespan of an overweight dog
11.2 years
Median life span of a lean fed dog
13 years
overweight dogs are more likely to get
Hip joint osteoarthritis and worse hip dysplasia
What contributes to obesity
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%
How to train using treats and still keep them lean
Provide a portion of their daily intake as treats
Other forms of attention
Praise
Physical contact
Play
What do you need to obtain from the owner before getting a diet plan in place
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
Determine energy needs and feeding amounts of dog and cat
Dogs
MER= RER x 1.0
MER= 70x(BW target)^0.75
Cats
MER = RER x 0.8
MER = 53x(BWtarget)^0.711
Why do we recheck and monitor animals on diets
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
Steps of setting an animals diet
Patient assessment and nutritional history
Calculate ideal body weight
Determine energy needs and feeding amounts
Recheck and monitor
Post weight loss adjustmetne
Post weight loss adjustments are
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..
Does the diet matter for weight loss
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
