Question

 

A 50-year-old female presents to the outpatient clinic for counseling regarding her weight and reports that she has trouble for many years and has dieted for multiple times with little success.

DIAGNOSIS: OBESITY

1. What is the pathophysiology of obesity?

2. Give at least 2 lab tests for obesity. For each lab give:

a. Definition and description for test for each lab

b. Significance of the test being ordered for this patient for each lab

3. Give at least 2 medication for obesity and for each medication given:

a. comments and additional for each medication info

b. The action for each medication

c. The therapeutic effect of each medication

d. Life-threatening considerations of each medication

 

Answer 1

1.Pathophysiology of Obesity

There are many factors contribute to the development of obesity. they includes, excessive food intake, genetics, decresed glucose utilization by the body etc.If the food items contain excess amount of fat and glucose due to heavy eating, and decresed activity levels, they are not utilized well. hence all these particles will be stored in the body, especially in the adipose tIssues as fat. The extra fcalories developed from the food also stored in adipose tissues if theya are not utilized by the body. When the total calorie intake and energy intake exceeds in the body and energy utilization in the body reduces, obesity tends to develop.

2. Lab test for obesity

Calculating the body mass index: This is one of the commonly performed laboratory test for the diagnosis of Obesity. Where weight and height of the patient is ,Measured and later Body Mass Index is calculated using the formula

BMI = Weight (KG) Height (M²)

Based upon the value scale Obesity can be diagnosed.

• <18.5= Underweight
• 18.5 and 24.9 = healthy weight
• 25 and 29.9 =overweight
• 30 and 39.9 =obese

Liver function test: A blood test which helps to provide detailed informations about the ability of the liver to metabolize the fat components.

Total cholesterol level: Lipoprotein analysis will give a detailed informations about the total cholesterol level, LDL level, HDL level, Triglycerides level in the body. this will helps to identify the fat distribution of the individual. High levels of LDL indicates increased risk of obesity, High levels of cholesterol also indicates obesity. A normal level of cholesterol is considered as 170-200 mg/dl.

3. 2 medication for obesity (Action, therapeutic effect and life threatening consideration)

Tab. Atorvastatin: This is a common drug, which is used to manage and reduce excess levels of cholesterol level in the body.the drug can be used together with dietary managemnet.This drug will work by decreasing the levels of LDL and increasing the levels of HDL in the body. Decreased levels of LDL is associated with incresed risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease etc.

The drug should not be taken if the patient is having altered RFT, LFT,etc. the drug will cause serious interaction if taken with alcohol, other beverages and other medications such as some antibiotics, antifungals,birth control pills, digoxin etc. The patient need to constantly monitor the cholesterol level, LFT etc.Any allergic reaction sto be informed to the physician.

Tab. Orlistat: This is another commonly drug used to manage obesity. This drug act by preventing the absorption of the fat in the body by adipose tissue,Thus this drug helps to reduce the excess body weight and helps in maintaining a healthy weight.

The drug should be given along with diet modification and dietary changes. the patient need to undergo LFT, RFT before the administration of the drug. It should be consumed as per the physicians order. The dosage is fixed as per the individuals need after assessing the weight and BMI. There must be a diet plan also for the patient. When the patient is consuming, this tablet, the fat content in the diet should be low.Consume the medicine 1 hour after the food.

The drug may cause serious interactions if taken along with aspirin, warfarin etc,Should not take the medications with seizure disorder drugs.