Unit 11: Introduction to Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle, Obesity, and Diabetes Flashcards
identify and discuss chronic diseases associated with affluent lifestyles in developed countries, including the roles of lifestyle and genetics.
Type 2 Diabetes: Affluent lifestyles with excessive calorie consumption and sedentary habits contribute to obesity, a major risk factor for diabetes. Genetics also play a role in predisposition.
Cardiovascular Disease: High consumption of processed foods, excessive salt, and lack of physical activity contribute to heart disease. Genetics influence factors like cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Obesity: Sedentary routines and high-calorie diets lead to obesity. Genetics can affect metabolism and fat storage tendencies.
Certain Cancers: Obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diets increase the risk of cancers like colon, breast, and liver cancer. Genetic susceptibility also plays a role.
Lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and excessive alcohol intake are prominent contributors to these diseases in affluent societies. While genetics can influence susceptibility, lifestyle modifications remain crucial in preventing and managing these chronic conditions.
discuss evidence from historical and population studies on the roles of lifestyle and genetics in the development of chronic diseases of lifestyle
Lifestyle Evidence:
-Historical Trends: Rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease parallel shifts towards sedentary lifestyles and high-calorie diets.
-Comparative Studies: Cross-cultural comparisons show that populations adopting Western affluent lifestyles have increased disease prevalence.
Genetics Evidence:
-Family and Twin Studies: Higher disease risk among relatives and identical twins suggests genetic influence on diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
-Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS): Identify specific genetic variations associated with disease susceptibility, confirming genetic involvement.
discuss the limitations from historical and population studies on the roles of lifestyle and genetics in the development of chronic diseases of lifestyle
Limitations:
- Correlation vs. Causation: Historical data may show associations but not prove causation between lifestyle changes and disease. Genetics may interact with lifestyle in complex ways.
- Confounding Factors: Population studies can’t control all variables, leading to confounding factors that may influence disease outcomes.
- Gene-Environment Interaction: The interplay between genetics and lifestyle isn’t fully understood, making it challenging to isolate their individual contributions.
- Ethnic and Cultural Variability: Genetic and lifestyle factors vary across populations, impacting disease development differently.
- Temporal Changes: Historical studies might not fully capture modern disease dynamics due to changing healthcare, diagnostic methods, and lifestyle patterns.
discuss obesity trends and the factors contributing to obesity in Canada, including overeating and the roles of fat, sugar, and fibre.
Obesity trends in Canada have been on the rise due to several contributing factors:
- Overeating: Increased portion sizes, easy access to high-calorie foods, and a culture of overconsumption contribute to excessive calorie intake.
- Diet Composition:
– Fat: Diets high in saturated and trans fats contribute to weight gain. Processed and fast foods often contain unhealthy fats.
– Sugar: High sugar intake from sugary beverages and processed foods can lead to weight gain and related health issues.
– Fibre: Inadequate dietary fiber intake can disrupt satiety and digestion, potentially leading to overeating.
Addressing obesity in Canada requires promoting balanced diets, limiting sugary and fatty foods, and encouraging increased physical activity to counteract these contributing factors.
discuss the health risks associated with obesity.
Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity impairs insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of developing diabetes.
Cardiovascular Disease: Obesity elevates blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Joint Problems: Excess weight strains joints, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis.
Respiratory Issues: Obesity can cause breathing difficulties and sleep apnea.
Cancers: Certain cancers like breast, colon, and liver are more common in obese individuals.
Mental Health: Obesity is associated with depression, anxiety, and decreased quality of life.
discuss the three main strategies that promote healthy weight loss, including the dietary strategies.
Three main strategies for healthy weight loss include:
- Balanced Diet: Emphasize whole foods, lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits. Control portion sizes and limit processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats.
- Regular Physical Activity: Engage in regular exercise, combining cardio and strength training to burn calories and build muscle.
- Behavioral Changes: Adopt mindful eating habits, manage stress, ensure adequate sleep, and seek support from professionals or support groups.
Dietary strategies involve reducing calorie intake, increasing fiber-rich foods, and staying hydrated to support sustainable weight loss.
discuss the roles of fibre, overweight or obesity, and exercise in causing or preventing type 2 diabetes.
Fibre: Adequate dietary fiber intake improves blood sugar control by slowing digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Overweight/Obesity: Excess weight increases insulin resistance and inflammation, contributing to type 2 diabetes risk. Weight loss through healthy habits can improve insulin sensitivity.
Exercise: Regular physical activity enhances insulin sensitivity, helps maintain healthy weight, and lowers diabetes risk by improving glucose utilization and overall metabolic health.
