Obesity - Lecture 3.1

Question 1

What is the definition of obesity?

Answer 1

Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health, affecting around 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 children aged 10-11 in the UK

Question 2

What is a global fact of obesity?

Answer 2

Globally, 1 in 8 people were living with obesity in 2022, with 2.5 billion adults overweight, of which 890 million were obese

Question 3

What is the primary cause of obesity?

Answer 3

The primary cause is energy imbalance between calories consumed and expended, influenced by increased intake of energy-dense foods and physical inactivity

Question 4

What are other factors that can affect obesity?

Answer 4

Other factors include genetics, endocrine disorders, medications, and social contributors such as food availability and work environment

Question 5

What is a health consequence of obesity?

Answer 5

It reduces life expectancy by 3-10 years and increases risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and mobility issues

Question 6

What is another consequence of obesity?

Answer 6

Can also lead to day-to-day problems such as breathlessness, increased sweating, and difficulty with physical activity

Question 7

What are management strategies based on?

Answer 7

BMI, health conditions and personal preferences ranging from lifestyle changes and behavioural interventions to pharmacological treatments and bariatric strategy

Question 8

How do nurses play a crucial role in the management approaches?

Answer 8

Nurses play a crucial role in early identification, supporting behaviour change, and providing opportunistic interventions