Obesity and Diet-Related Disorders

Flashcards on obesity, its causes, symptoms, and management strategies including diet and exercise.

Obesity

A condition where excessive fat accumulation poses health risks.

Overweight

A condition indicated by a BMI of 25 or higher, referring to excessive fat accumulation that poses health risks.

Obesity (BMI)

Signified by a BMI of 30 or higher.

Morbid Obesity

Classified as a BMI of 35 or above.

Signs and Symptoms of Obesity

Increased visible fat accumulation, fatigue, joint pain, shortness of breath.

Apple-shaped Body Type

Stores fat in the abdominal region as visceral fat (around organs).

Pear-shaped Body Type

Stores fat in the hips and thighs as subcutaneous fat (under the skin).

Positive Energy Balance

Excess energy is stored in adipose tissue as triglycerides.

Energy-Dense Processed Foods

High in kilojoules, fat, and simple sugars, contributing to overeating by failing to provide satiety.

Portion Distortion

Serving sizes have increased over time, with larger plates contributing to excessive food consumption, especially when dining out.

Negative Energy Balance

Needed for weight loss; reduction of energy intake by 2000–4000 kJ daily can yield a loss of 0.4–0.8 kg per week.

Nutrient-Dense Foods

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy, as per the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.

Restrictive Fad Diets

Effective for short-term weight loss but deplete muscle mass, lowering basal metabolic rate (BMR) and leading to weight regain.

Balanced Nutrition

Emphasized by sustainable weight loss plans to support long-term health and gradual weight loss.

Socioeconomic Status & Obesity

Obesity rates are highest among individuals with lower education and income levels. Low socioeconomic areas face a 2.3 times greater burden of obesity.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Prolonged sitting or lying down contributes to weight gain by reducing energy expenditure and replacing vigorous exercise, while promoting consumption of energy-dense foods.

Physical Inactivity

Defined as not meeting activity guidelines, increases with age, leading to obesity due to reduced energy expenditure.

Physical Activity

Ranges from light (e.g., stretching) to moderate (e.g., brisk walking) and vigorous (e.g., jogging), and is crucial for boosting energy expenditure and raising basal metabolic rate.

Adolescent Physical Activity Guidelines (15-17 years)

60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily, including strength exercises thrice weekly.

Adult Physical Activity Guidelines (18-64 years)

150–300 minutes of moderate or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity weekly, with strength training twice.

Physical Activity Guidelines (65+ years)

Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days.