Question

Risk factors for obesity. A case control study was conducted to determine the risk factors associated with obesity in young adults. The study included 5,763 cases. Of the cases 62% ate fast food at least 3 times a week. It was a matched case control study and 2 controls were matched per 1 case. Of the controls 54% ate fast food at least 3 times a week.

Using the above data and the analysis you provided, propose what should be done next.

Answer 1

Answer =

* Obesity = Obesity is an overabundance of body fat and is typically measured by a person BMI .

BMI of a person is greater then 30 is consider as obesity.

Risk factor for obesity =

- Heredity and genetic factor = Genetic defects in certain disorders such as Bardet- Biedl syndrome and prader-willi syndrome can directly cause obesity.

- Environmental factors = Some evidence shows that children reared by obese parents have an increase tendency toward obesity.

Increased availability of high fat, high calorie foods .

Reduction in physical activity.

Modern day conveniences.

- Psychological factors = Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Posttraumatic stress, Boredom.

- Physiologic factors = Endocrine abnormalties- Cushing syndrome, Polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyrodism.

Age - Advanced age may be associated with obesity.

Pharmacologic factor = Corticosteroids, Antidepressants, Hormones and other medication.

* Management of obesity =

Diet therapy = A well balanced diet containing all the major foods groups is still advised and recommended as a first step therapy.

Excercise = Regular physical activity is an importent component in weight loss and weight maintence along with reduce caloric intake.

Pharmacotherapy = Anorexia medications include amphetamines, sympathomimetics and norepinephrine releasing agents or reuptake inhibitos reduce appetite and stimulate weight loss initially.

Suggest behaviour modification strategies , such as excercise during lunch break, preventing access to quick snacks eating only at mealtimes.

Provide emotional support to the patient during weight reduction.

Discourage fad dieting.

Direct patient education and conservation in a nonjudgemental manner.

Be a good role model - allways show a healthy attitude towards sensible eating , excercise and other healthy practices.