Obesity, Smoking, Alcohol and other Risk Factors

BMI (Body Mass Index) is measured by dividing [blank_start]mass (kg)[blank_end] by [blank_start]height (m) squared[blank_end]. BMI isn't always accurate, especially with people who have [blank_start]heavy muscle but little fat[blank_end].

Alcohol contains [blank_start]ethanol[blank_end]. This is broken down by enzymes in the [blank_start]liver[blank_end]. Toxic byproducts are formed in this digestion. Liver Cirrhosis is caused by [blank_start]hydrogen peroxide[blank_end]: one of these byproducts, which damages liver cells.

Cigarettes contain [blank_start]nicotine[blank_end]. This quickens the heart rate and as a result, [blank_start]blood pressure[blank_end] rises. Arteries are therefore damaged, causing a substance called [blank_start]plaque[blank_end] to build up and clog the arteries.

When [blank_start]plaque[blank_end] builds up in an [blank_start]artery[blank_end], an [blank_start]atheroma[blank_end] or fatty deposit forms. This can lead to [blank_start]atherosclerosis[blank_end], a disease where the artery is severely narrowed.

Waist to Hip ratio aims to measure abdominal fat by dividing the [blank_start]Waist Circumference[blank_end] by the [blank_start]Hip Circumference[blank_end]. For men, a ratio of [blank_start]1[blank_end] or more means the person is overweight. For women this is [blank_start]0.8[blank_end] or more.

BMI is a good predictor for a weight lifter with large muscles.

LDL Cholesterol, or Low-Density [blank_start]Lipoprotein[blank_end] Cholesterol is able to irritate arteries and cause plaque build-ups. When the plaque is removed, a type of blood cell fragment known as a [blank_start]platelet[blank_end] blocks up the irritation, causing a blood clot.

Ionizing radiation is one risk factor of obesity.

Smoking is also harmful due to [blank_start]second hand smoke[blank_end]. This additional risk factor is often [blank_start]unavoidable[blank_end], and commonly leads to disease in [blank_start]children of smoking parents[blank_end].