PS285 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Sleep Apnea, Subcutaneous Tissue, Adipose Tissue
Document Summary
Obesity is defined as a chronic, relapsing, neurochemical disease, which manifests itself by an increase in the size and number of fat cells. 24% of canadians are classified as obese - by 2050 (60% of adult men, 50% of adult women, and 25% of children will be impacted - all over the world) Highest rates in the maritimes and northern territories. Body size is inherited and a result of genes in the family. Genetic influences might be more important than environmental influences. Does not explain the population-level prevalence of obesity. Studies suggest that obesity starts in the womb, weight of mother proportionate to fat levels of babies (babies > 4kg = more likely to obese in their lifetime) Too low or too high a bmi linked to increased mortality, linked to other health ills such as diabetes and cancer, obese people face discrimination in various forms.
