Obesity and Energy Balance

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to obesity, energy balance, hormonal influences, and factors affecting dieting success.

Why is obesity considered a multifactorial disease?

Because it is influenced by genetic, environmental, and physiological factors, not just excess calorie intake.

What is energy balance?

The relationship between energy intake and energy expenditure.

What role does leptin play?

Signals satiety and energy sufficiency.

What happens in leptin resistance?

The brain does not respond properly to leptin, leading to continued eating.

What is ghrelin?

A hormone that stimulates hunger.

What is metabolic adaptation?

A decrease in metabolic rate during weight loss beyond expected levels.

Why do people plateau during dieting?

Due to metabolic adaptation and hormonal changes.

Difference between fat mass and fat-free mass?

Fat-free mass is metabolically active and contributes more to energy expenditure.

What happens to ghrelin during weight loss?

It increases, promoting hunger.

Why is exercise alone not effective for weight loss?

Due to compensatory increases in appetite and decreased NEAT.

What is NEAT?

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis.

What is BMR?

Basal metabolic rate, the energy used at rest.

Why is resistance training important?

Helps preserve lean mass and metabolic rate.

Sedentary vs inactivity?

Sedentary = low movement behavior; inactivity = not meeting activity guidelines.

What is set point theory?

The body defends a certain weight range.

What are genetic factors in obesity?

Inherited traits that can affect weight and metabolism.

How does the environment influence obesity?

Access to food, cultural norms, and urban design shape eating habits.

What physiological factors contribute to obesity?

Hormonal regulation, digestion processes, and metabolism.

How does high leptin affect hunger?

High levels signal the brain to reduce hunger.

What triggers ghrelin release?

Ghrelin is released when the stomach is empty.

What is the effect of weight loss on BMR?

Weight loss can lower the BMR, making it harder to sustain losses.

Define compensatory appetite increase.

An increase in hunger signals due to caloric restriction.

What is the relationship between NEAT and obesity?

Lower NEAT can contribute to excess calorie retention.

What is the role of exercise in weight management?

Exercise can enhance caloric burn and improve health.

What contributes to the effectiveness of resistance training?

It helps maintain muscle mass, which is crucial for metabolism.

Differentiate physical activity and exercise.

Physical activity = all movement; exercise = structured physical activity.

What is the impact of sedentary behavior on health?

Increased risks of obesity, metabolic diseases, and cardiovascular issues.

How does hormonal change affect dieting success?

Hormonal shifts can affect hunger and energy expenditure.

What is the role of fat-free mass in metabolism?

Fat-free mass (muscle) burns more calories than fat mass.

What might lead to a weight loss plateau?

Adaptation of the body and hormonal adjustments can stop weight loss.

Identify a consequence of prolonged leptin resistance.

Persistent hunger and difficulty in regulating weight.

What physiological changes occur during dieting?

Alterations in metabolism and hormone levels that signal hunger.

Describe the focus of obesity treatment.

Addressing both lifestyle changes and physiological factors.

What does a healthy energy balance involve?

Matching energy intake with energy expenditure for weight maintenance.

How can social factors impact obesity rates?

Social networks can influence dietary choices and activity levels.

What is the significance of hormonal signals in appetite control?

They help regulate hunger and energy balance.

Why is understanding the components of energy balance crucial?

To develop effective weight management strategies.