Obesity

Definition

Obesity is a medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat, often measured by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It is associated with various health risks including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
2. Pharmacological treatments for obesity include appetite suppressants, fat absorption inhibitors, and metabolic enhancers.
3. Common drugs used in weight management include Orlistat, Liraglutide, and Phentermine.
4. Lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise are essential components alongside pharmacotherapy for effective weight management.
5. Obesity can alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of various medications, necessitating dose adjustments.

Review Questions

• What BMI value is typically used to define obesity?
• Name two classes of drugs commonly used in the pharmacological treatment of obesity.
• How can obesity affect the pharmacokinetics of medications?

Related terms

Body Mass Index (BMI):

A measure calculated using height and weight to categorize individuals into underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

Phentermine:

An appetite suppressant drug that affects the central nervous system to help reduce hunger.

Orlistat:

A medication that inhibits fat absorption in the intestines to aid in weight loss.