Applied Nutrition Obesity

Taif UniversityDepartment of Nursing

Applied Nutrition(Obesity)

ObesityUsually, we use body mass index (BMI) to

define underweight, overweight, normal weight and obesity.

BMI: is a specific value calculated through dividing weight in kilograms by height in square meters (kg/m2).

If BMI is less than 18.5 kg/m2 …… underweight.

If BMI is 18.5 -25 kg/m2 …… normal weight.If BMI is 25 – 30 kg/m2 ……. Overweight.If BMI is over than 30 kg/m2 …… Obesity.

Understanding obesity

Overweight and obesity develop when the energy on the intake side is more than on the expenditure side

amount of food

(calories)

Energy we expend

An Epidemiological model of obesity

Food, drugs, viruses, and toxins, and low physical activity are the environmental agents that facilitate the development of obesity.

Environmental factors(Food)

The first food factor in determining whether or not obesity develops is the portion of size of packages and servings.

When larger portion sizes are provided, more food is eaten.

Many food lists the calories per serving, but the package often contains more than one serving.

The intake of calorically sweetened beverages has been related to the epidemic of obesity.

It has been reported that the intake of soft drinks was a predictor of initial BMI in children .

Environmental factors(Food)

Dietary fat is another component that may be related to the epidemic of obesity.

Food combining sugars and fats are often palatable and inexpensive, so that they are more preferable by children, and this may increase the incidence of obesity among them.

The level of calcium intake in population studies is inversely correlated with the risk of being overweight. Higher dietary calcium is associated with reduced BMI.

Environmental factors(Food)

The cost of food is another factor in the cause of obesity.

In the most of countries in the world, the price of food containing sugars and fats rose in percentages bigger than foods containing fruits, vegetables, fishes, and dairy products. This will make people increase their consumption of food containing fats and sugars, leading to increased incidence of obesity.

Environmental factors(Low levels of physical

activity)

Epidemiological data show that low levels of physical activity and watching TV predict higher body weight.

Low levels of activity also increase the risk of early mortality.

It is thus better to be thin than fat and to be physically active rather than inactive.

Environmental factors(Drugs and Chemicals)

High-dose corticosteroids, some psychoactive drugs, or valporate are most common drugs that may cause obesity.

Cessation of smoking is another environmental factor that will affect body fat stores. A weight gain of 1 to 2 kg is seen in the first weeks after cessation of smoking.

Environmental factors(Viruses)

Recent findings of antibodies to one of the adenoviruses in larger amounts in obese humans raises the possibility that viruses are in involved in some cases.

The adenoviral syndrome can be replicated in nonhuman primates and is characterized by modest obesity and low circulating cholesterol.

The Host Factors of Obesity

Genetic factors.

Intrauterine imprinting: - The infants of mother who smoked during

pregnancy, are at increased risk of developing obesity. - The infants of mothers who have diabetes

are at high risk of developing obesity. - Infants who are small for their birth dates are

at higher risk of developing central obesity.

Treatment of Obesity

Prevention of the current epidemic: - Education in the school curriculum about

good nutrition, and healthy weight. - Regulating an improved food label.

Regulations on appropriate serving sizes might be part

of the information provided by restaurants when

requested. - Modification of our food system, to

provide smaller portions and less energy density.

Treatment of Obesity(Diet)

The popular diet groups for treatment of obese persons:

- Low-energy diet: - Low fat diet: - Low carbohydrate diet. - High protein diet.

focus on foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, eggs, lean meat, and low fat dairy products.

Treatment of Obesity(Exercise)

Increased movement, both modest and vigorous, is a way to increase energy expenditure that will burn fat deposits.

The best exercise for obese persons is walking.

Treatment of Obesity(Medications)

Four medications which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug /Administration for the treatment of obesity:

- Benzphetamine. - Diethylpropion. - Phendimetrazine. - Phentermine.

Treatment of Obesity(Surgery)

Vagotomy