Test Your Knowledge on Weight Management and Its Impact on Health!

• The science behind weight management is complex, but one of the key concepts that governs weight management is Energy Balance.

• There are three possible scenarios when it comes to the energy balance equation: 1) the calories a person consumes come from both the foods and drinks they eat and drink, 2) the calories a person expends comes from their basal metabolic rate and their daily physical activity, and 3) when eating a healthy diet mainly composed of vegetables, lean meats, and fruits, the human body is very good at maintaining a neutral energy balance so that calories consumed do not substantially exceed calories expended in a given time period.

• If attempting to lose weight, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends a slow and steady approach by eating 500 fewer calories than the number of calories burned or expended each day.

• A well balanced diet includes both healthy and unhealthy foods. Healthy foods include vegetables, lean meats, and fruits, while unhealthy foods include processed foods and sugary drinks.

• It is important to eat a well balanced diet in order to get the proper amount of vitamins and nutrients each day.

• Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of energy a person's body uses to do things like pump blood, maintain proper brain function, breakdown toxins, and ensure other bodily functions.

• BMR is directly proportional to a person's lean body mass.

• BMR is also affected by acute illnesses and increases with conditions like burns, fractures, infections, fevers, etc.

• There are several equations that can be used to calculate a person's BMR.

• The original Harris-Benedict equations are one of the most popular and accurate equations used to calculate BMR.

• BMI is a measure of a person's overall mass and is calculated using a person's height and weight.

• The Mifflin St. Jeor Equation is the most accurate predictor of BMR compared to BMR measured by direct and indirect calorimetry.

• BMI is used to help assess for excess weight, but it is by no means a perfect representation of a person's body fat percentage.

• Genetics play an important role in weight management, but only a small portion of a person's excess weight is due to genetics.

• There are some rare genetic disorders that cause significant weight gain.

• Medication can also play a role in weight management by affecting a person's appetite and metabolism.

• There are many medical conditions that are associated with either weight loss or weight gain.

• Medical conditions associated with weight gain include hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and congestive heart failure.

• On the other hand, unintentional weight loss can be due to disease and medical conditions such as cancer, gastrointestinal illness, psychiatric disorders, infections, endocrine disorders, and neurologic disorders.

• Common gastrointestinal disorders associated with weight loss are malabsorption due to Celiac disease or chronic pancreatitis.

• Depression and eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa are a common cause of weight loss.

• Infectious causes of weight loss include HIV/AIDS.

• While Type 1 diabetes has been found to cause weight loss, type 2 diabetes has been associated with weight gain.

• Other endocrine causes of weight loss include hyperthyroidism and chronic adrenal insufficiency.

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, is a common condition that has been linked to obesity.

• In diabetes, impaired β-islet cells are responsible for the lack of blood glucose control.

• In individuals with higher body mass index concerning for obesity, there is increased hormones, proinflammatory markers, and glycerol, which contribute to insulin resistance.

• The combined effects of impaired pancreatic β-islet cells and insulin resistance increase one’s likelihood of developing diabetes.

• The importance of weight management in type 2 diabetes mellitus has been well studied.

• Although a cross-sectional study found that Black and Hispanic individuals have significantly higher odds of obesity and its related diseases, it is also important to note the role that social determinants of health and environmental factors contribute towards the disparity in obesity between racial groups.

• Social determinants of health that factor into barriers to weight management include food deserts, low health literacy, lack of safe spaces to exercise outside, and lack of access to afforable health food.

• However, the extent to which differences in genes may help explain disparities in obesity between racial groups remains unknown.

This quiz will help you learn more about the science behind weight management. It will ask you questions about how your body uses energy, how to calculate your basal metabolic rate, and how BMI is not the only measure of body fat.