Overweight and Obesity

Question 1

what is the definition of obesity?

Answer 1

-an excessive accumulation of body fat as adipose tissue that may impair health

Question 2

how is weight determined?

Answer 2

-body mass index, BMI, is used to determine overweight and obesity in adults
-it is defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters
-a BMI of 25-29.9 is overweight and 30+ is obese
-waist ratio can also be used, in men it should be below 94cm and for women 80cm

Question 3

what are the current trends in childhood and adulthood obesity?

Answer 3

-increasingly common nowadays in children due to the rise in technology and the subsequent fall in physical activity, not getting enough sleep and eating an energy dense diet
- childhood obesity and overweight is one of the main contributors to obesity in adulthood
-sedentary lifestyles and jobs
-alcohol consumption is increasingly common
-low f + v intake
-Worldwide adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled

Question 4

what are some of the barriers to achieving a healthy weight?

Answer 4

-eating out
-increased consumption of convivence foods
-limited resources
-lifestyle
-cost and availability of food
-lack of dietary knowledge
-personal likes
-specific needs e.g. illnesses

Question 5

how can eating out regularly be a barrier to achieving a healthy weight?

Answer 5

-may consume several courses or eat foods higher in fat or sugar that contribute to weight gain
-more option and so tend to over eat and there are usually bigger portion sizes

Question 6

how can an increased consumption of convenience foods be a barrier to achieving a healthy weight ?

Answer 6

-these foods are usually more energy dense than homemade foods and when consumed frequently may prevent a healthy weight

Question 7

how can limited resources be a barrier to achieving a healthy weight?

Answer 7

-lack time or limited income may not achieve a healthy weight as they do not have the right resources to purchase or cook a homemade meal which is low in calorie

Question 8

how can lifestyle be a barrier to achieving a healthy wegt?

Answer 8

-a sedentary lifestyle can prevent a healthy weight as there is limited movement and so to maintain a healthy weight energy intake should be decreased

Question 9

how can cost and availability of food be a barrier to achieving a healthy weight ?

Answer 9

-some may not be able to afford healthy food as they tend to be more expensive than unhealthy convenience foods and so this can be a barrier to achieving a healthy weight

Question 10

how can a lack of dietary knowledge be a barrier to achieving a healthy weight?

Answer 10

• can result in unhealthy eating habits, poor understanding of food labels and portion sizes, and difficulty in balancing the diet

Question 11

how can specific needs be a barrier to achieving a healthy weight?

Answer 11

-Specific needs can be a barrier to achieving a healthy weight if they make it harder for someone to access healthy food, exercise regularly, or follow weight management advice.
-examples of a specific need is intellectual disabilities, wheelchair user or living in areas of higher deprivation

Question 12

what are 9 health problems associated with the development of obesity or overweight?

Answer 12

-type 2 diabetes
-CVD
-hypertension
-cancer
-depression
-bone and joint pain
-breathlessness
-sleep problems
-difficulty completing physical activity

Question 13

why are type 2 diabetes more likely to develop if obese or overweight?

Answer 13

-insulin is not working effectively and it increases insulin resistance and so the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels properly
-by reducing BMI and waist circumference less adipose tissue builds up around the organs and prevents insulin resistance

Question 14

why is CVD more likely to develop if obese or overweight?

Answer 14

-excess fat increases LDL cholesterol that increases the risk of an atheroma which can develop atherosclerosis, this is known as abdominal adiposity
-being overweight also increases blood pressure which increases the risk of CVD

Question 15

why is hypertension more likely to develop if obese or overweight?

Answer 15

-blood pressure increases with BMI, the prevalence of hypertension in individuals with a BMI is nearly three times more likely than in healthy weight adults

Question 16

why is cancer more likely to develop if obese or overweight?

Answer 16

-Obese people tend to have higher levels of inflammatory cytokines (signaling proteins that help control inflammation) in their blood, which causes chronic inflammation and encourages cells to divide to form a tumor

Question 17

why is depression more likely to develop if obese or overweight?

Answer 17

-excessive weight gain can lower self esteem, compulsive comfort eating can also occur in people who live alone or are going through some personal difficulties e.g. breakup, and so can lead to obesity

Question 18

why are joint pains and breathlessness more likely to occur if obese or overweight?

Answer 18

-being overweight can put a strain on the joints particularly those that bear most of the weight e.g. knees and hips which can lead to orthopedic problems
-individuals may have difficulties with daily activities and may feel very tired

Question 19

why are sleep problems more likely to develop if obese or overweight?

Answer 19

-obesity is associated with increased daytime fatigue, it may change metabolism and or sleep wake cycles in such a way that causes sleep quality to deteriorate
-the hormone leptin is decreased which usually helps to suppress appetite which therefore leads to over eating which contributes to the development of obesity

Question 20

what are some of the dietary recommendations to achieve a healthy weight?

Answer 20

-eat more f+v as they are low in calories and provide fiber which has a high satiety which prevents snacking
-eat breakfast which prevents snacking
-eat normal portions sizes to avoid over eating
-drink more water which reduces consumption of fizzy drinks and prevents snacking

Question 21

what are some lifestyle recommendations to prevent obesity and overweight?

Answer 21

-increase physical activity to allow sedentary energy to be burnt off and not stored as fat
-reduce sedentary activities e.g. computer games to maintain a healthy weight
-get enough sleep as sleep deprivation can result in metabolic changes which can diminish the bodies ability to produce glucose, appetite which can result in overeating