It is not the weekend, but I would be irresponsible if I promised a weekend wrapup without delivering one. Thank you to everyone who participated in the trivia questions last week. I hope it was illuminating for you.
Obesity is a major global health challenge that affects millions. But beyond the headlines, how much do we actually know about the condition? In this post, we'll walk through five key questions that explore the basics of obesity—from fat types to BMI and hormones.
1. What is "visceral fat"?
A) Fat under the skin
B) Fat around the organs ✅ C) Fat in the legs
D) Fat in the bloodstream
Correct Answer: B) Fat around the organs
Explanation: Visceral fat is the fat that wraps around your internal organs like the liver, pancreas, and intestines. It's hidden deep in your abdomen and can be especially harmful. Unlike subcutaneous fat (the fat under your skin), visceral fat is metabolically active—it releases inflammatory markers and hormones that contribute to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
A) Fat under the skin is called subcutaneous fat, which is less dangerous metabolically.
C) Fat in the legs is typically subcutaneous and not considered visceral.
D) Fat in the bloodstream refers to lipids like triglycerides, not visceral fat.
2. What BMI range is considered obese?
A) 18.5–24.9
B) 25–29.9
C) 30 and above ✅ D) 40 and above
Correct Answer: C) 30 and above
Explanation: BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a simple tool used to classify weight status. A BMI of 30 or more is considered obese in adults.
18.5–24.9 is the normal/healthy weight range.
25–29.9 is considered overweight, not obese.
40 and above is classified as class III obesity or morbid obesity, a more severe form.
While BMI isn’t a perfect tool—it doesn’t distinguish between fat and muscle—it provides a useful screening measure for population health.
3. How is Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated?
A) Weight + height
B) Waist divided by hip
C) Weight divided by height squared ✅ D) Age times weight
Correct Answer: C) Weight divided by height squared
Explanation: BMI is calculated using the formula:
This formula helps adjust for height, offering a more standardized way to assess body weight across individuals.
A) Simply adding weight and height doesn’t account for body proportion.
B) Waist-to-hip ratio is a separate metric used to assess fat distribution, not overall obesity.
D) Age is not a factor in BMI calculation for adults.
4. What is a common health risk linked with obesity?
A) Appendicitis
B) Type 2 diabetes ✅ C) Migraine
D) Glaucoma
Correct Answer: B) Type 2 diabetes
Explanation: Obesity is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes. Excess fat, particularly visceral fat, increases insulin resistance, making it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar levels.
A) Appendicitis is typically unrelated to obesity.
C) Migraine may be associated with other triggers but is not directly caused by obesity.
D) Glaucoma is an eye condition influenced by eye pressure, age, and genetics—not primarily obesity.
5. Which hormone is mainly responsible for making you feel full?
A) Insulin
B) Leptin ✅ C) Cortisol
D) Adrenaline
Correct Answer: B) Leptin
Explanation:Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells that signals your brain to reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure. It tells your body, “I’ve had enough to eat.” However, in obesity, many people develop leptin resistance, meaning the brain no longer responds to leptin’s signals, leading to continued overeating.
A) Insulin regulates blood sugar, not satiety directly.
C) Cortisol is the "stress hormone" and can actually increase appetite.
D) Adrenaline (epinephrine) is part of the fight-or-flight response and may temporarily suppress appetite.
Final Thoughts
Understanding obesity means understanding the biological, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence body weight. By exploring questions like these, we can break down the myths, understand the risks, and make more informed choices about our health.