3.4 High body mass index

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a statistical measure of body mass that is calculated by dividing ______ (kg) by ______ (in m²)

• waist circumference ; height

• weight ; waist circumference

• height ; weight

• weight ; height

Someone who is classified as having a high BMI (overweight and/or obese) has a score of:

• Under 18.5

• 18.6 - 24.9

• 25 and over

• 30 and over

A high body mass index puts pressure on the ________, which makes the cells in the body more resistant to insulin, which predisposes someone to Type 2 Diabetes

When a high body mass index places excess pressure on joints, causing cartilage to wear down, this is known as:

• Arthritis

• Injury

• Asthma

• None of the above

Answer explanation

Arthritis is a chronic condition where pressure placed on joints causes the cartilage to become thin and wear down. It is common in knees and hips, and more likely to affect older men and women. It can cause chronic pain for this population group.

In what ways can arthritis associated with a high body mass index impact on Australia's health status?

• Lower morbidity rates

• Higher morbidity rates

• More people assessing their health as fair/poor (self-assessed health status)

• Lower life expectancy

Answer explanation

As arthritis does not contribute to premature death, it therefore does not impact on life expectancy.

'Lower morbidity rates' suggests that reducing arthritis positively impacts on health status in Australia.

Which maternal health conditions are women with a high BMI more susceptible to in pregnancy?

• Asthma

• Hypertension

• Cancers

• Gestational diabetes

A high body mass index places greater strain on the heart, as it needs to beat faster and harder to keep up with energy demands.

How could this contribute to Australia's burden of disease?

• Higher YLLs from heart attacks

• Higher YLDs from hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Higher total DALYs attributed to Cardiovascular Diseases

• All of the above

Answer explanation

All answers reflect indicators used to measure burden of disease.