Obesity: Welcome to the obesity module. The rapid rise in the prevalence of obesity in both rich and poor countries in recent years has been described as an epidemic. At the global level, excess body weight is the sixth most important risk factor for ill health. Many adverse health outcomes are strongly associated with obesity. For more information about the authors and reviewers of this module, click here Obesity


Introduction 2: Introduction 2 We suggest that start with the learning objectives and try to keep these in mind as you go through the module slide by slide, in order. Print-out the mark sheet. As you go along, write your answers to the questions on the mark sheet as best you can before looking at the answers. Award yourself marks as detailed on the mark sheet: one mark for each keyword (shown in red text) in the short answer questions and for every correct answer in the True/False questions. How should I study this module? Repeat the module until you have achieved a mark of >80%. Finish with the formative multiple choice questionnaire to assess how well you have covered the material as a whole. You should research any issues that you are unsure about. Look in your textbooks, access the on-line resources indicated at the end of the module and discuss with your peers and teachers. Finally, enjoy your learning! We hope that this module will be enjoyable to study and complement your learning about obesity from other sources.


Learning Outcomes: Learning Outcomes


Introduction 1: Introduction 1 How is obesity measured? Obesity is defined as the excessive accumulation of body fat. There are a number of ways to measure body fat: Measurements that are simple, cheap and appropriate for routine use include: waist circumference hip circumference waist-to-hip circumference ratio Indices derived from weight and height, e.g. body mass index skin fold thickness using callipers (e.g. triceps, scapular) Measurements of body fat that are expensive and require special equipment and highly trained personnel include: underwater weighing bioelectrical impedance computerized topography


Classification of obesity (1) –  ‘apples’ and ‘pears’: The apple shape: also called “android”, “abdominal” or “central” obesity people with high waist-to-hip ratios are "apples", their body fat is distributed mainly on the upper trunk, the chest and abdomen giving the typical ‘apple shape’ individuals are mostly male A waist-to-hip ratio >1.0 for men and >0.8 for women indicates an increased risk of cardio-vascular disease and diabetes mellitus The pear shape: also called “gynaeoid” or “peripheral” obesity people with lower waist to hip ratios are "pears“ - their body fat is distributed mainly on the lower trunk, the hips and thighs giving the typical ‘pear shape’. individuals are mostly female. associated health risks are minimal if any Obesity can be classified into two groups on the basis of body fat distribution and the waist-to-hip circumference ratio. This simple classification is easily understood by the public and also predicts the risk of obesity-related health problems. Classification of obesity (1) – ‘apples’ and ‘pears’


Classification of obesity (2) – body mass index (BMI): Classification of obesity (2) – body mass index (BMI) BMI = weight in kilograms = kg/m2 square of height in meters


tion 1: tion 1 Note: Although overweight is identified by a BMI of ≥ 25.0 kg/m2, the risks of obesity-associated diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia, increase from a BMI of about 21.0 kg/m2. Source: Adapted from WHO 1997 WHO classification of obesity


oduction 1: oduction 1 Source: Weight Control Information Network , NIH A weight and height chart is a useful clinical tool to determine a person’s BMI


Advantages of BMI: Advantages of BMI Advantages of using BMI to classify obesity: it is low-cost and easy to use for health professionals for assessing individuals it is commonly used to determine desirable body weights and allows people to compare their own weight status to that of the general population it correlates well with the amount of body fat as measured by more complex techniques it predicts dangers associated with obesity; as BMI increases the risk for diseases increases it is a useful screening tool to use at the population level and, because it is universally accepted, BMI reference data is available for many different populations


Disadvantages of BMI: Disadvantages of BMI Which of these men is at risk of ill health and why? (b) (a) These men have the same height, weight and BMI, but have different percent body fat BMI calculated as follows: BMI = 84 = 84 = 28.4 kg/ m2 (1.72)2 2.96 Although BMI is equally high in both men, in (a) it is due to lean body mass whereas in (b) it is due to body fat. This shows that, used alone, a high BMI is not diagnostic of obesity. BMI also varies with age and sex in those <18 years. These are some of the disadvantages of using BMI to assess health risks.


End of Section 1: Well done! You have come to the end of the first section. We suggest that you answer Questions 1 to 3 to assess your learning so far. Please remember to write your answers on the mark sheet before looking at the correct answers! End of Section 1


Question 1: Write “T” or “F” on the answer sheet. When you have completed all 5 questions, click on each box and mark your answer.: Question 1: Write “T” or “F” on the answer sheet. When you have completed all 5 questions, click on each box and mark your answer. Obesity is the excessive accumulation of body fat Body mass index (BMI) is the most universally accepted index of obesity A woman with a BMI of 46.0 is overweight To calculate the BMI of an individual, we need the weight, height and body fat distribution A man with weight 76 kg and height 1.55 m is obese Click for the correct answer a b c d e


Question 2: Complete the missing information on your mark sheet regarding the classification of obesity and the associated health risk Award yourself 1 mark for each right answer: Click to Reveal Answers Question 2: Complete the missing information on your mark sheet regarding the classification of obesity and the associated health risk Award yourself 1 mark for each right answer


Question 3: A 25 year old male athlete weighs 87.3kg and has a height of 1.75m Write your answers on the mark sheet. When you have completed all 3 questions, click on the box and mark your answers. : Question 3: A 25 year old male athlete weighs 87.3kg and has a height of 1.75m Write your answers on the mark sheet. When you have completed all 3 questions, click on the box and mark your answers. Calculate his BMI How would you classify his BMI ? Is the classification of obesity based on BMI reliable for his man and, if not, why? Click to Reveal Answers


The global burden of obesity: The global burden of obesity The USA has the highest obesity rate in the world. IN American adults, 50m are obese (BMI >30.0) and 6m have class III obesity (BMI >40.0). Obesity in adolescents has increased from 5% in 1966 -1970 to 14% in 1999.


Recent increase in the prevalence of obesity in the USA (1): Partners in Global Health Education Source: U.S. Center for Disease Control Recent increase in the prevalence of obesity in the USA (1)


Obesity in adults on the increase - worldwide: Obesity in adults on the increase - worldwide Dramatic increases in obesity in recent years is not confined to the USA. These graphs illustrate the rise in obesity in adults in both rich and poorer countries. The growing epidemic of obesity - Source: IOTF Prevalence of obesity (%) Prevalence of obesity (%)


Obesity in children living in poorer countries: Obesity in children living in poorer countries Africa & Middle East: 4 year olds Latin America and Caribbean: 4-10 year olds Source: adapted from IOTF unpublished data


Prevalence of overweight in 10-year old children in selected countries: Source: adapted from IOTF unpublished data Prevalence of overweight in 10-year old children in selected countries


Projected prevalence of obesity in adults by 2025: Projected prevalence of obesity in adults by 2025 Source: IOTF data


The burden of obesity – costly, deadly…: The burden of obesity – costly, deadly… The financial burden of obesity: WHO data show that obesity accounts for 5-10% of the total health care budget in several developed countries This is probably a low estimate as not all of the cost of management of obesity and its related problems can be calculated In 2000, the U.S. spent $117 billion on obesity (9% of the national total health budget) The morbidity and mortality burden of obesity: Overall, about 2.5 millions deaths are attributed to overweight/obesity worldwide In the UK, about 30,000 deaths are attributable to obesity. Ten times this figure occurs in the US where obesity is the second greatest preventable cause of death following smoking Nearly 70% of cases of cardiovascular disease are associated with obesity Obesity predisposes to an overall reduction of quality of life and premature death from diet related, chronic non-communicable diseases


End of Section 2: End of Section 2 Well done! This is the end of the second section. We suggest that you proceed to answer question 4 to assess your learning further. Do remember to write your answers on the mark sheet before looking at the right answer!


Question 4: Write “T” or “F” on the answer sheet. When you have completed all 5 questions, click on each box and mark your answer.: obesity is a worldwide public health problem obesity is not a major public health problem in developing nations the highest rate of obesity is found in the U.S.A obesity related problems account for less than 5% of healthcare budget in developed countries obesity leads to premature death from diet related chronic communicable diseases Click for the correct answer a b c d e Question 4: Write “T” or “F” on the answer sheet. When you have completed all 5 questions, click on each box and mark your answer.


Calories in and calories out – the imbalance: Calories in and calories out – the imbalance The energy value of food can be expressed in calories. Obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than his/her body needs. Excess calories are stored as fat and lead to weight increase. For example, consuming 3,500 calories more than the body needs results in a gain of 0.45kg of fat. The factors which affect the balance between calories in and calories out differ from one person to another. Obesity is believed to result from a complex interplay of the following factors (click each factor for details): Genetic factors Socio-economic (lifestyle and diet) Cultural factors Psychological and medical factors


Genetic factors: Genetic factors We know that obesity tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic cause. Although, families also share diet and lifestyle, both of which contribute to obesity, research has shown that genetic factors account for as much 80% of the link between heredity and obesity. Studies in adoptees and twins strongly support this link: Adults who were adopted as children have weights closer to their biological parents than to their adoptive parents Monozygotic (identical) twins show a much stronger correlation in body weight than dizygotic (non-identical) twins Source: NHS Health Scotland Back


Socio-economic factors and lifestyle (1): Socio-economic factors and lifestyle (1) Diet Apart from our genes, environmental factors also contribute to the recent surge in obesity. The following changes in diets across the world play a major role: increase in consumption of energy dense foods – containing animal fats decrease consumption of complex carbohydrates and fibre - coarse grains, fruits increase intake of alcohol and salt In recent years, societies of the western world have enjoyed an over abundance of food – so people feast on larger portions at low prices. As this “affluence” creeps into the urban centres of the developing world, we are beginning to see a rise in obesity. The growth of the fast food industry has made an abundance of high fat, inexpensive meals widely available, resulting in a shift in stable foods from low quality staples (cassava, corn) to high quality refined staples (processed rice, wheat). Next


Socio-economic factors and lifestyle (2): Exercise – or the lack of it… Urbanization and economic development in the western world have led to the ‘affluent lifestyle’ which include less physical activity. Examples include: the car - driving to work and school instead of walking or cycling TV and computer games - long hours sitting watching energy/time saving devices and machines (e.g. washing machines) reduce manual labour in the home Socio-economic factors and lifestyle (2) Source: http://www.aces.edu/dept/extcomm/newspaper/child-obesity.html Next


Socio-economic factors and lifestyle (3): Socio-economic factors and lifestyle (3) Socio-economic status Socio-economic status has been found to relate to the risk of obesity in bothadults and children. Although obesity is a feature of “affluence”, in the UK, obesity is more common in poorer families. An increasing incidence of obesity is being seen in the poor, developing countries of the world. In South Africa, obesity was found to be increased among the poorest women. What are the reasons for this? poorer families tend to eat energy dense, convenience foods – often they have no alternative as these tend to be low cost foods people from lower socio-economic strata participate less in sports or physical activity in general and have lower weight control awareness Back


Cultural factors (1): Cultural factors (1) The cultural practice of placing young women in ‘fattening rooms’ for months before marriage or after childbirth. In fattening rooms, the daily routine was to sleep, eat and grow fat. The women spent their time resting like beached whales and gorging on a high-fat, high-calorie diets. This practice has greatly reduced in recent years in south-eastern parts of Nigeria. Source: Where BIG is beautiful! Women who are not fattened are CURSED! National Examiner may 1, 2001 page 10 In certain cultures of the world ‘big is beautiful’. Obesity was a sign of wealth and well-being in the past and still is in many parts of Africa. In contrast to many Western cultures where thin is in, many culture-conscious people in these parts hailed a woman's rotundity as a sign of good health, prosperity and allure. Next


Cultural factors(2): Cultural factors(2) The Japanese sumo wrestlers are well known obese individuals. They achieve their big size from an an elaborate rice- based diet, fat-rich stew and lots of sleep. Source: Print by Kunisada II Back


Psychological and medical factors: Psychological and medical factors Psychological factors are known to influence eating habits. Many people eat in response to negative emotions, such as anger, sadness or boredom . Metabolic and organic factors including drug therapies have been associated with obesity as metabolic rate slows down, the tendency to gain weight increases. Slow metabolic rate is found with reduced physical activity, advancing age, and in females compared to males certain medical conditions are associated with obesity: depression, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, pituitary tumours,cerebral diseases including infections, hydrocephalus, as well as certain chromosomal anomalies – Down syndrome, Klienfelter syndrome drugs that can cause weight gain include: corticosteriods, anti-depressant drugs, antipsychotics, oral contraceptive and progestagenic compounds, oral hypoglycaemic agents, insulin, antihistamines,  blockers, pizotifen Back


End of Section 3: End of Section 3 Well done! This is the end of the third section. We suggest that you proceed to answer questions 5 and 6 to assess your learning further. Do remember to write your answers on the mark sheet before looking at the right answer!


Question 5: Which of the following factors will increase the risk of obesity in an individual? Write “T” or “F” on the answer sheet, then click on each box to mark your answer.: physical inactivity consumption of fast foods psychological depression normal sized parents hyperthyroidism Click for the correct answer a b c d e Question 5: Which of the following factors will increase the risk of obesity in an individual? Write “T” or “F” on the answer sheet, then click on each box to mark your answer.


Question 6: Several factors play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity. What risk factors match the following pictures?: a)? d)? c)? b)? Click to Reveal Answers Question 6: Several factors play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity. What risk factors match the following pictures?


Obesity is a disease. Associations with obesity are protean.Click on each medical association for details: Obesity is a disease. Associations with obesity are protean. Click on each medical association for details Medical associations of obesity Hypertension and type II diabetes coronary artery disease, and stroke, cancers and reproductive abnormalities psychological complications including eating disorders, respiratory and other complications Effects of obesity


Obesity - a known risk factor for several life-threatening medical conditions (1): Obesity - a known risk factor for several life-threatening medical conditions (1) Diabetes Mellitus (DM) : the relation between obesity and type II diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes) has been established since the 1970s excess fat deposits in obesity is associated with insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and premature type II diabetes 90% of patients with type II diabetes have BMI higher than 23kg/m2 the risk of type II DM is greatly increase where there is a history of early weight gain (childhood obesity), android obesity, positive family history of DM, and maternal history of gestational DM Back


Slide37: Obesity - a known risk factor for several life-threatening medical conditions (2) Coronary artery disease and stroke: The effect of obesity on cardiac function is thought to be due to a combination of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and increased fat mass The risk increases as BMI values exceed 21.0 kg/m2. Studies show that heart failure in 14% women and 11% men is due to obesity Cancers: the risk for cancers is more among the obese than the non-obese population estimates indicate that overweight and inactivity account for a quarter to a third of cancers of the breast, colon, endometrium, kidney and oesophagus Back


Slide38: Psychological features of obesity: in US women obesity increases the risk of being diagnosed with major depression by 37% low self esteem, anxiety, depression and obsessive behaviours are common among obese individuals especially women obesity and depression are linked closely with two eating disorders: night eating syndrome and binge eating disorder (including bulimia nervosa). These need early recognition and early psychotherapy Obesity - a known risk factor for several life-threatening medical conditions (3) Next


Other effects of obesity (1): Other effects of obesity (1) Next


Other effects of obesity (2): Other effects of obesity (2) Obesity has serious deleterious effects on quality of life. There is the social stigma associated with obesity 20% of obese people are less likely to marry than their thinner counterparts the annual household income of obese people is nearly $7,000 less than that of thinner people an obese person is 10% more likely to live a life of poverty With obesity there is restricted activity, exercise intolerance, pain, worry, low self esteem, and depression Back


End of Section 4: End of Section 4 Well done! This is the end of the fourth section. Please answer questions 7. Do remember to write your answers on the mark sheet before looking at the right answer!


Question 7: Which of the following are recognised associations of obesity. Write “T” or “F” on the answer sheet, then click on each box to mark your answer. : a) Hypertension b) Type 1 diabetes c) Osteoarthritis d) Ovarian cancers e) Coronary heart disease Click for the correct answer a b c d e Question 7: Which of the following are recognised associations of obesity. Write “T” or “F” on the answer sheet, then click on each box to mark your answer.


What is childhood obesity ?: Source: 1998-2005 Self Realization Publications What is childhood obesity ?


Defining childhood obesity (1): Defining childhood obesity (1) Obesity in childhood has reached epidemic levels. In the US, it is the most common nutritional disorder in children. Developing countries are also affected as the prevalence rises among children of urban dwellers who emulate the ‘affluent western lifestyle’ As in adults, the WHO uses the body mass index (BMI) as the standard definition of obesity in children. BMI is calculated with the same formula for children and adults, but the results are interpreted differently: BMI for children, also referred to as BMI-for-age, is gender and age specific BMI changes dramatically with age in children as body fat changes with growth, and between girls and boys with maturity BMI-for-age, gender specific growth charts used for children and teens 2 – 20 years of age.


Defining childhood obesity (2): BMI-for-Age is used for children and teens because of their rate of growth and development. It is a useful tool because: BMI-for-age in children and adolescents compares well to laboratory measures of body fat BMI-for-age can be used to track body size throughout life In children, obesity is defined as a BMI greater than the 95th percentile for age while overweight is a BMI greater than the 85th percentile for age Defining childhood obesity (2)


Risk factors for childhood obesity: obesity in one or both parents infants of diabetic mothers children from single parent families and families with fewer children higher birth weight and rapid growth during infancy are associated with an increased prevalence of obesity formula feeding during infancy (breast feeding in women who did not smoke during pregnancy [but not in women who smoked during pregnancy] was significantly associated with a reduced risk of obesity) sedentary lifestyle – increase TV viewing, computer games, car rides, including a reduction in number of mandatory physical education classes in schools especially in the US increase consumption of sugar sweetened drinks, soda, snacks, energy dense fast food in large portions Risk factors for childhood obesity


The relationship between childhood and adult obesity: The relationship between childhood and adult obesity Born in the 60’s with a birth weight of 2.7kg (normal weight), she quickly became plump in infancy. Neither parent was overweight (father 82.6kg and1.52m; mother 50.8kg and 1.52m) From the age of 7, she was significantly heavier than her peers. In her early teens, she “weighed 88.9kg” and was advised by her paediatrician to join a slimming club. The weight gain persisted till adulthood. She is currently on nine different medications for obesity related problems Aged 13 – bridesmaid at wedding Married at age 40 weight - 178 kg, Height - 1.65m BMI = 66 kg/m2


The relationship between childhood and adult obesity: The relationship between childhood and adult obesity Now that you have read this story, list 5 obesity-associated problems that may occur in this woman. Mrs S. actually developed hypertension type II diabetes hypothyroidism menorrhagia recurrent cellulitis Other possible problems include: osteoarthritis stroke metabolic syndrome coronary heart disease menstrual disorders psychological disorders cancers – ovarian, endometrial, breast, cervical, prostate


End of Section 5: End of Section 5 You have come a long way! This is the end of the fifth section. Please answer question 8. Do remember to write your answers on the mark sheet before looking at the right answer!


Question 8: The following are statements about childhood obesity. Write “T” or “F” on the answer sheet, then click on each box to mark your answer.: Question 8: The following are statements about childhood obesity. Write “T” or “F” on the answer sheet, then click on each box to mark your answer. a) obesity is not a problem in children b) BMI-for-age is used for children and teens because of their rate of growth and development c) the use of BMI to define obesity does not depend on gender d) BMI-for-age in children and adolescents compares well to laboratory measures of body fat e) the longer a child remains obese beyond age 3 years, the more likely that the obesity will persist into adulthood Click for the correct answer a b c d e


Management of obesity: Effective management of obesity requires long-term strategies and an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach that includes community-based support for behavioural modification including diet and exercise. Research over the last decade indicates that a 5-10% reduction in body weight is sufficient to significantly improve medical conditions associated with obesity, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and elevated cholesterol levels. Currently there is lack of evidence of effective programmes for integrated management of obesity. But the following management options for the management of obesity exist: dietary modification behavioural modifications physical activity pharmacotherapy bariatric surgery As always, “prevention is better than cure”. Recently the UK government has set a target to halt the rise in obesity in children aged ≤11 by 2010. Strategies for the prevention of childhood and adult obesity may need to address factors during or before infancy that are related to infant growth. Management of obesity


Management options (1): Management options (1) Dietary modification the most common and conservative treatment for obesity utilizes a nutritionally balanced, low calorie diet diet must include more fruit and vegetables, nuts, whole grains and exclude fatty and sugary foods weight-loss programs recommend diets consisting of 1,200 to 1,500 calories per day, usually in the following proportions: 60 percent carbohydrate, 30 percent fat, and 10 percent protein individuals must be carefully screened and medically supervised while on the diet (the degree of weight loss being dependent on individuals ability to adhere to dietary recommendations) studies have shown that meal replacements are often more effective than very low calories diets, resulting in an increase in the amount of initial weight loss and enabling dieters to maintain their weight loss


Management options (2): Management options (2)


Management options (3): Pharmacotherapy It is recommended that anti-obesity drugs be used only : in individuals aged 18-75yrs with a BMI of 30kg/m2 or more in individuals with a BMI of ≥27kg/m2 with existing risk factors such as diabetes, cardiac disease, obstructive sleep apnoea or hypertension in individuals with a BMI of >30kg/m2, in whom at least 3 months of managed care (supervised diet, exercise, and behaviour modification) fails to lead to significant reduction in weight Two drugs have been licensed for use in the treatment of obesity: Orlistat - prevents fat digestion and absorption by binding to gastrointestinal lipases; useful for those with a high intake of fat Sibutramine - reduces appetite and increases thermogenesis; recommended for those who cannot control their appetite These drugs should not be used as sole therapy for obesity. Their use requires strict regular monitoring and must be discontinued if weight loss is <5% after 12 weeks of use or weight gain recurs while on the drugs Anti-obesity drug treatment should not be used beyond a year and never beyond two years as few studies have examined the consequences of their long-term use Gradual reversal of weight loss is known to occur on stopping pharmacotherapy Management options (3)


Management options (4): Management options (4)


End of Section 6: End of Section 6 Well done! This is the last of the sections. Please answer questions 9 and 10. Do remember to write your answers on the mark sheet before looking at the right answer!


Question 9: Answer the following questions on the management of obesity: Question 9: Answer the following questions on the management of obesity Click to Reveal Answers


Question 10: Mark the following statements as either True or False: obesity management requires an integrated multi-disciplinary approach regular exercise is the single best predictor for achieving long-term weight control diet must exclude more fruit and vegetables, nuts, whole grains and include fatty and sugary foods the criteria for use of pharmacotherapy is a BMI > 20 kg/m2 with persistent co-morbidity a 5-10% reduction in body weight is sufficient to significantly improve medical conditions associated with obesity Click for the correct answer a b c d e Question 10: Mark the following statements as either True or False


What Have I Learnt about Obesity? (1): What Have I Learnt about Obesity? (1) Obesity is the excessive accumulation of body fat, best defined by the Body Mass Index (or Quetelet's Index). BMI is the universal and convenient measure of obesity. It is calculated as weight divided by height squared (kg/m2). The BMI-for-age is used to assess obesity in children. In adults (age >18years), obesity is defined by a BMI of  30 kg/m2, and overweight by a BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2. A child with a BMI-for-age >95th percentile is obese while one with a BMI-for-age >85th percentile is overweight. The longer a child remains obese beyond age 3 years, the more likely that the obesity will persist into adulthood. 30% of obese children are also obese as adults. 70% obese adolescents end up as obese adults. Obesity is believed to result from a complex interplay of several factors; genetic, environmental (lifestyle and dietary), cultural, socio-economic, psychological and medical conditions. Obesity is a known risk factor for several life-threatening, chronic medical and metabolic conditions: hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, type II diabetes, cancers. A 5 - 10% reduction in body weight has been shown to significantly improve medical conditions associated with obesity.


What Have I Learnt about Obesity? (2): What Have I Learnt about Obesity? (2) Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in several developed countries of the world and is also creeping up in urban cities of the underdeveloped world. Globally, there are more than 1.1 billion overweight adults, and at least 312 million of them are clinically obese. 10% of all children worldwide are either overweight or obese, while 17.6 million children under the age of five are estimated to be overweight. Rapid urbanization and economic development have led to changing lifestyles and diets across the world which promote excessive weight gain. An increasing incidence of obesity is also being seen in the poor, developing countries of the world Increase body weight is now the sixth most important risk factor contributing to the overall burden of disease worldwide


Sources of Information/images and References: Sources of Information/images and References Baird J, Fisher D, Lucas P, et al. Being big or growing fast: systematic review of size and growth in infancy and later obesity. BMJ 2005; S1:468-583 Bray G A, Popkin B M. Dietary fat intake does affect obesity! Am J Clin Nutr. 1998, 68:1157-73 Calle EE, et al. BMI and mortality in prospective cohort of U.S. adults. New England Journal of Medicine.1999;341:1097–1105. Cole TJ and Rolland-Cachera MF. In: Childhood and Adolescent Obesity. Burniat W, Cole T, Lissau I and Poskitt (Eds). Cambridge University Press, 2002 Haslam DW, Jones WPT. Obesity. Lancet 2005; 366:1197-1209 Garrow JS, Webster J. Quetelet's index (W/H2) as a measure of fatness. International Journal of Obesity. 1985;9:147–153. Gallagher D, et al. How useful is BMI for comparison of body fatness across age, sex and ethnic groups? American Journal of Epidemiology 1996;143:228–239. Rudolf M C J, Hochberg Z, Speiser P. Perspectives on the development of an international consensus on childhood obesity. Arch Dis Child 2005; 90:994-996. Stamatakis E, Primatesta P, Chinn S et al. Overweight and obesity trends from 1974 to 2003 in English children: what is the role of socioeconomic factors? Arch Dis Child 2005; 90:999-1004 World Health Organization. Physical status: The use and interpretation of anthropometry. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization 1995. WHO Technical Report Series WHO Obesity; Preventing and managing the global epidemic. Report of a WHO Consultation on Obesity. Geneva, 3-5 June 1997 www.who.int/nutr; www.cdc.gov/growthcharts; www.corbis.com; Cartoon characters from the WeightWise campaign of the British Dietetic Association. Drent ML, van der Veen EA. Lipase inhibition: A novel concept in the treatment of obesity. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1993; 17:241-244.


Authors and reviewers: Authors and reviewers Expert reviewers: Professor Rhys Williams, School of Medicine, University of Wales Swansea, UK Dr Jeffrey Stephens, Senior Lecturer in Diabetes & Honorary Consultant Physician, Morriston Hospital Swansea, UK We would like to acknowledge the of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, London for awarding the Fulton Fellowship which supported Dr. Lagunju in developing this module Back


Answer to Question 1a: This statement is True. The body naturally stores fat under the skin and around joints and internal organs. Fat provides energy, insulation and protection. However, accumulation of excess body fat results in obesity and is associated with increased health risks. ü Back Answer to Question 1a


Answer to Question 1b: This statement is True. Body mass index (BMI) is the most widely used index of obesity. ü Back Answer to Question 1b


Answer to Question 1c: This statement is False. This woman is classified as Class III obesity. This is associated with severe health risks. Back û Answer to Question 1c


Answer to Question 1d: This statement is False. The BMI is calculated using only weight and height. Back û Answer to Question 1d


Answer to Question 1e: This statement is True. This man is classified as obesity Class I. ü Back Answer to Question 1e


Answer to Question 2 : Answer to Question 2 Back


Answer to Question 3 : BMI = 87.3 kg = 28.5 kg/m2 (1.75 m)2 His BMI lies in the “overweight range” (25 – 29.9 kg/m2) The likely reason for the increased BMI in an athlete is an increase in lean muscle mass  BMI does not distinguish between lean body mass (accumulation of muscle mass) and body fat. Hence, this athlete is wrongly classified as overweight. Answer to Question 3 Back


Answer to Question 4a: This statement is True. Obesity occurs in all countries in the world. There are currently 1.1 billion adults and 10% children classified as overweight or obese in the world. ü Back Answer to Question 4a


Answer to Question 4b: This statement is False. Obesity is a significant health problem in both the developed and developing world. Back û Answer to Question 4b


Answer to Question 4c: This statement is True. The United States of America has the highest obesity rate in the world. ü Back Answer to Question 4c


Answer to Question 4d: This statement is False. Obesity and its related health problems place serious financial burden on the health budget of a country. Back û Answer to Question 4d


Answer to Question 4e: This statement is False. Obesity leads to premature death from diet related non-communicable chronic diseases such as type II diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Back û Answer to Question 4e


Answer to Question 5a: This statement is True. Physical inactivity reduces the utilisation of calories, the excess is stored up as fat - obesity ü Back Answer to Question 5a


Answer to Question 5b: This statement is True. Fast foods often are over-processed foods, with a high concentration of fat, salt & refined sugar, all of which promote excessive weight gain. ü Back Answer to Question 5b


Answer to Question 5c: This statement is True. Psychological depression has been associated with an increased risk of obesity, consequent on increased food intake ü Back Answer to Question 5c


Answer to Question 5d: This statement is False. Genetic predisposition is a major risk factor for obesity. A positive family history of obesity in one or both parents is associated with increase risk of obesity Back û Answer to Question 5d


Answer to Question 5e: This statement is False. Hyperthyroidism is associated with weight loss. Hypothyroidism is associated with weight gain due to reduced metabolic rate. Back û Answer to Question 5e


Answer to Question 6: (a) Socio-economic (Dietary and Lifestyle) factors (b) Psychological factors (c) Cultural factors (d) Genetic factors Back Answer to Question 6


Answer to Question 7a: This statement is True. An increased risk of hypertension is associated with obesity ü Back Answer to Question 7a


Answer to Question 7b: This statement is False. Obesity is associated with Type II and NOT Type I diabetes. Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and early onset of type II diabetes Back û Answer to Question 7b


Answer to Question 7c: This statement is True. Obesity results in increased risk of osteoarthritis, particularly affecting the weight-bearing joints ü Back Answer to Question 7c


Answer to Question 7d: This statement is True. Obese women are at increased risk of ovarian cancers ü Back Answer to Question 7d


Answer to Question 7e: This statement is True. Coronary heart disease strongly associated with obesity ü Back Answer to Question 7e


Answer to Question 8a: This statement is False. Obesity in childhood has reached epidemic levels. In the US, it is the most common nutritional disorder in children and its prevalence is increasing. Back û Answer to Question 8a


Answer to Question 8b: This statement is True. Using BMI-for-age accounts for the changes in body fat that occur normally with growth and development in children ü Back Answer to Question 8b


Answer to Question 8c: This statement is False. BMI-for-age is gender specific. Age-related changes in body fat differ between boys and girls. Use gender specific BMI-for-age chart when assessing obesity in children. Back û Answer to Question 8c


Answer to Question 8d: This statement is True. Studies have shown that BMI-for-age in children and adolescents compares well to laboratory measures of body fat. ü Back Answer to Question 8d


Answer to Question 8e: This statement is True. Studies have shown that the longer a child remains obese beyond age 3 years, the more likely that the obesity will persist into adulthood. ü Back Answer to Question 8e


Answer to Question 9: Answer to Question 9 Back Management options for obesity include: behavioural modifications including diet and physical activity pharmacotherapy bariatric surgery Surgery may be a weight-loss option for patients the criteria for surgery include: Severe obesity (BMI of  40 kg/m2) Occurrence of serious medical complications (with a BMI  35kg/m2) the two accepted surgical procedures for reducing body weight are: gastroplasty and gastric bypass


Answer to Question 10a: This statement is True. Effective management of obesity requires the involvement of a multi-disciplinary team and longterm strategies ü Back Answer to Question 10a


Answer to Question 10b: This statement is True. Research clearly indicates that regular exercise is the single best predictor for achieving long-term weight control ü Back Answer to Question 10b


Answer to Question 10c: This statement is False. Diet must include more fruit and vegetables, nuts, whole grains and exclude fatty and sugary foods Back û Answer to Question 10c


Answer to Question 10d: This statement is False. The criteria for use of pharmacotherapy is: a BMI ≥27kg/m2 with persistent co-morbidity or a BMI >30 kg/m2 Back û Answer to Question 10d


Answer to Question 10e: This statement is True. Research over the last decade indicates that a 5- to 10-percent reduction in body weight is sufficient to significantly improve medical conditions associated with obesity ü Back Answer to Question 10e