HEALTH RESEARCH
Obesity Basics: What Is It? How Is It Treated?
Obesity Basics: What Is It? How Is It Treated?
There is an epidemic of obesity in this country, health experts say. But what is obesity? How is it measured? Find out the answers to these questions and others by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
1. Body mass index (BMI) is the current standard for finding out whether someone is overweight or obese. BMI corrects for differences in height among people. Which BMI reading is considered obese?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Body mass index is a mathematical calculation that estimates the amount of body fat a person has. A BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.
2. What percentage of body fat falls in the obese category?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Women usually have more body fat than men. Measuring body fat is difficult. The most accurate methods are to weigh a person underwater or with an X-ray test called a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Because of their expense and difficulty, these methods are only used in research. Simpler methods are much less accurate. They involve measuring the thickness of the layer of fat just under the skin or sending a harmless amount of electricity through a person's body. These methods are popular in health clubs.
3. How many American adults are considered obese?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
According to the latest statistics, more than one-third of U.S. adults are obese, meaning they have a BMI greater than 30, the CDC says. Although everyone needs a certain amount of body fat, extra body fat can put you at risk for a host of health problems.
4. What causes obesity?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than he or she burns. The cause of this imbalance of "calories in and calories out" differs from person to person. Genetics, eating habits, physical activity, and psychological factors all play a part in obesity. Some neurological conditions, endocrine problems, and certain medications can cause some weight gain but usually not severe obesity.
5. Which of these serious health problems has been linked to obesity?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Obesity is also linked to several kinds of cancer, including uterine (endometrial), breast (in postmenopausal women), and colorectal. Other health problems associated with obesity include osteoarthritis, gallstones, liver disease, gout, sleep apnea, and infertility, the NIDDK says.
6. If you are considered obese, what percentage of weight loss will bring about positive health changes?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
A 5% to 10% weight loss can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, the NIDDK says. A 5% to 7% weight loss can prevent type 2 diabetes from developing in people who are at high risk for the disease. But any weight-loss program should be for the long term. Obesity is a chronic problem, and weight control should be considered a lifelong effort.
7. What is a healthy weight loss goal?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Your weight-loss program should aim for a slow, steady loss. If you plan to lose more than 15 to 20 pounds, have any health problems, or take medication regularly, discuss your plan with your doctor before you begin, the NIDDK says. Your doctor can assess your general health, your need to lose weight, and any medical conditions that may be affected.
8. How much physical activity should you aim for each week to help weight loss?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Some experts say you may need to work up to 60 minutes of moderate level of activity on most days of the weeks to lose weight, and you will need to continue this exercise level to maintain your weight loss. If you haven't been exercising regularly, check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. You don't have to do 30 (or 60) minutes all at one time. You can "sneak" activity into your day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator; walking and talking with a friend at lunch; or taking 2 to 3 short walking breaks at work. You can also walk on a treadmill at home while watching TV, for instance. It's important to choose an activity you enjoy so you'll stick with it.
9. If your doctor recommends weight-loss medication, when can you expect to lose the most weight?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
After the first weight loss related to the medicine, a person's weight tends to level off or even increase for the remainder of treatment, the NIDDK says. Most weight-loss medications are for short-term use only. These medications are usually meant for people who are obese, not for those who are overweight or who want to lose a few pounds. Most of the medications are available only by prescription except for orlistat, a lipase inhibitor that is the first FDA-approved nonprescription weight-loss medication. The prescription form of orlistat is 1 medication that may be used for a year. It blocks the absorption of about 30% of fats consumed. It may be prescribed for a person who is overweight and also has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Discuss with your doctor which medication is appropriate for you and how long you should take the medication. Any amphetamine-based medications are not recommended for weight loss because of the potential for abuse or dependence. A person taking weight-loss medication should also increase physical activity and improve his or her diet to maintain the weight loss for the long term.
10. Bariatric surgery may be recommended for people with a BMI of more than 40. What does the procedure involve?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
This surgery may also be recommended for men who are more than 100 pounds overweight, or for women who are more than 80 pounds overweight. One of 2 types of procedures may be used. One type is called restrictive surgery, in which parts of the stomach are closed off to make it smaller and "restrict" the amount of food that can be eaten at one sitting. Bariatric operations include laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. These types of restrictive surgery don't change the way food is digested. The other type of surgery is malabsorptive surgery, which creates a new path for food, bypassing most of the stomach, the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine), and the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This surgery reduces the amount of nutrients the body can absorb from food. Malabsorptive surgery may also entail removing portions of the stomach and bypassing the duodenum and jejunum. The malabsorptive procedures include the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and the duodenal switch with biliopancreatic diversion. One risk with this type of surgery is nutritional deficiencies.
Your score was:
Updated:  
April 21, 2014
Reviewed By:  
Foster, Sara, RN, MPH, MMI board-certified, academically affiliated clinician