Skip to main content

Vanderbilt Health

MENU

×

Find a Doctor

Locations and Parking

Make an Appointment

A-Z Services

Health Library

Patient and Visitor Information

Pay Your Bill

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt University

Research

For Patients and Visitors

Resources for Employees and Researchers

Locations and Parking

Search for a Location

Feedback

What area of Vanderbilt University Medical Center would you like to leave feedback?

My Health at Vanderbilt

Patient Experience and Care

www.Vanderbilthealth.com

Note: feedback is for non-emergency questions and suggestions regarding patient services and website functionality.

If you require immediate care, please call 911 or visit the Emergency Room.

Comments and Suggestions about www.Vanderbilthealth.com

Your E-mail (optional)

Your Phone Number (optional)

Cancel or

Home

Search Results

Español

Español

Health Library Explorer

Search Library:

Browse A-Z Listings: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us

Conditions & Treatments
Health Centers
Drugs, Herbs & Supplements
Nutrition & General Wellness
Your Family
News Center
Healthy Living
Tools & Multimedia

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).

Gender words are used here to talk about anatomy and health risk. Please use this information in a way that works best for you and your provider as you talk about your care.

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 way to estimate body fat by using math. A BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.

A. 30 B. 32 C. 35 D. All of the above

2. What portion 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). The DEXA scan is expensive. And you should have it only so many times because it uses radiation. 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.

A. 15 percent in men; 20% in women B. 20% in men; 25% in women C. 25% in men; 30% in women D. 30% in men; 35% in women

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 from the CDC, more than one-third of U.S. adults are obese. This means they have a BMI greater than 30. Everyone needs a certain amount of body fat. But extra body fat can put you at risk for a host of health problems.

A. 5% B. 12% C. 20% D. 33%

4. What causes obesity?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Obesity occurs when a person takes in more calories than they burn. The cause of this imbalance of calories in and calories out differs from person to person. Genes, eating habits, physical activity, and mental health factors all play a part in obesity. Some nervous system conditions, endocrine problems, and certain medicines can cause some weight gain but usually not severe obesity.

A. Genetics B. Poor eating habits C. Lack of physical activity D. All of the above

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. According to the NIDDK, other health problems linked to obesity include osteoarthritis, gallstones, liver disease, gout, sleep apnea, and infertility.

A. Type 2 diabetes B. Heart disease C. High blood pressure D. Stroke E. All of the above

6. If you are considered obese, how much weight do you need to lose to 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 long-term (chronic) problem. Weight control should be considered a lifelong effort.

A. 1% B. 2% C. 5% D. 10% E. C or D

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 medicine regularly, discuss your plan with your healthcare provider before you begin, the NIDDK says. Your provider can look at your general health, your need to lose weight, and any health conditions that may be affected.

A. 1 to 2 pounds a week B. 4 pounds a week C. 5 pounds a week D. None of the above

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 medium-level activity on most days of the weeks to lose weight. You will need to continue this exercise level to maintain your weight loss. If you haven't been exercising regularly, check with your healthcare provider before starting 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.

A. 20 minutes on most days B. 30 minutes on most days C. 45 minutes each week D. 45 minutes every other week

9. If your healthcare provider advises weight-loss medicine, 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 medicines are for short-term use only. These medicines 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 medicines are available only by prescription except for orlistat, a lipase inhibitor that is the first FDA-approved nonprescription weight-loss medicine. The prescription form of orlistat is one medicine that may be used for a year, or as directed by your healthcare provider. 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 healthcare provider which medicine is best for you. Ask how long you should take the medicine. Any amphetamine-based medicines are not advised for weight loss because of the potential for abuse or dependence. A person taking weight-loss medicine should also increase physical activity and improve their diet to maintain the weight loss for the long term.

A. In the first month B. In the first 2 months C. In the first 6 months D. In the first 9 months

10. Bariatric surgery may be advised for people with a BMI of more than 40. What does the procedure do?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

This surgery may also be advised 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. For this, 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. This creates a new path for food. It bypasses 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 parts 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.

A. Closing off parts of the stomach to make it smaller B. Bypassing the stomach C. Removing parts of the stomach D. All of the above

Your score was:

Online Medical Reviewer: Freeborn, Donna, Phd, CNM, FNP
Online Medical Reviewer: Hurd, Robert, MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Turley, Raymond Kent, BSN, MSN, RN

Date Last Reviewed: 1/1/2023

© 2000-2023 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Doctor Call to Action

Appointment Call to Action

Locations Call to Action

Find a Doctor Make an Appointment Locations and Directions

Related Items

Patient Education

Adult CF: Adding Calories for a Healthy Weight

Bariatric Surgery: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
View All 18

Diseases and Conditions

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Healthcare Providers Who Specialize in Obesity
View All 11

Pediatric Diseases and Conditions

Obesity in Children: How Parents Can Help

Obesity in Teens
View All 3

Tests and Procedures

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Articles

A Chubby Baby Is Not a Sign of Future Obesity

Emotional Eating: How to Cope
View All 12

News

1 in 10 Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients With Diabetes Dies: Study

1 in 4 Kids With Type 2 Diabetes Isn't Obese
View All 185

Herbs, Vitamins & Supplements

Phenylalanine

Interactive Tools

Obesity Basics: What Is It? How Is It Treated?

Videos

Creating Your Weight Loss Plan

The Importance of Support for Weight Loss
View All 3

StayWell Disclaimer | Manage Cookie Preferences| Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Request an Appointments

If you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical help immediately.

We will contact you within one business day to review your appointment request.

1. Type of care and preferred times

Some specialties may require a referral prior to scheduling an appointment.

Briefly describe the reason for the appointment

Select a day

Check all that apply

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

No Preference

Select a time

Check all that apply

Morning

Afternoon

No Preference

2. About the patient

Has the patient received care at Vanderbilt before?

Yes No Don't Know

Did you know you can request an appointment directly with one of your doctors at My Health at Vanderbilt?

Patient first name

Patient last name

Patient date of birth

/ /

Patient Zip Code

Phone number

Best time to reach you

Check all that apply

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Google+
Read our blog

Health Library
Find a Doctor
Patient & Visitor Info
Locations
My Health at Vanderbilt

For Referring Physicians
Giving
Volunteer
Media
Quality Answers

Careers
Pay your Bill
About VUMC
Privacy Policy

Popular Links
A-Z Services
Medical Record Information
Key Telephone Numbers
Make an Appointment

Vanderbilt University Medical Center
1211 Medical Center Drive
Nashville, TN 37232

Through the exceptional capabilities and caring spirit of its people, Vanderbilt will lead in improving the healthcare of individuals and communities regionally, nationally and internationally. We will combine our transformative learning programs and compelling discoveries to provide distinctive personalized care.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Copyright © 2017 by Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Vanderbilt®, Vanderbilt University Medical Center®, V Oak Leaf Design®, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt® and Vanderbilt Health® are trademarks of The Vanderbilt University.

Feedback

What area of Vanderbilt University Medical Center would you like to leave feedback?

My Health at Vanderbilt

Patient Experience and Care

www.Vanderbilthealth.com

Note: feedback is for non-emergency questions and suggestions regarding patient services and website functionality.

If you require immediate care, please call 911 or visit the Emergency Room.

Comments and Suggestions about www.Vanderbilthealth.com

Your E-mail (optional)

Your Phone Number (optional)

Cancel or

Doctors Directory

Last Name

First Name

Search by name, specialty or location.

Insurance Plans accepted by all of our doctors >

Insurance Plans

Vanderbilt University Medical Center accepts the following insurance plans. For information about specific contract coverage, please contact your health plan directly.