APR-MAY 2026 OBT356-LIFESTYLE DISEASES AU QP

 APR-MAY 2026 OBT356-LIFESTYLE DISEASES AU QP

PART A (10 x 2=20 marks)

1. Define obesity.

Obesity is a chronic medical condition characterized by an excessive or abnormal accumulation of body fat that poses a risk to health, typically clinically defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of \(30kg/m2) or higher.

 2. Mention two types of diabetes mellitus.

Ø  Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system destroys insulin-producing pancreatic cells, causing an absolute insulin deficiency.

Ø  Type 2 Diabetes: A metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, where the body's cells fail to respond effectively to insulin.

 3. State biomarkers.

Biomarkers (biological markers) are objectively measured, quantifiable indicators of a biological state, pathogenic process, or pharmacological response to a therapeutic intervention (e.g., blood glucose or cholesterol levels).

 4. List any two causes of lung cancer.

Ø  Tobacco Smoking: The primary cause, responsible for the vast majority of cases due to the inhalation of direct carcinogens.

Ø  Radon Gas Exposure: A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors and damage lung tissue over time.

5. What is coronary atherosclerosis?

Coronary atherosclerosis is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) on the artery walls. This reduces blood flow to the heart muscle and may lead to angina or heart attack.

 6. Write a note on echocardiograph.

An echocardiograph is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to produce images of the heart. It helps assess the heart's structure, valve function, blood flow, and pumping efficiency.

 7. Mention the hormone that lowers blood glucose level in the body.

Insulin is the hormone that lowers blood glucose levels. It is secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas and helps body cells absorb glucose for energy or storage.

 8. State any two reasons for pediatric obesity.

Two causes of pediatric obesity are:

1. Consumption of high-calorie and unhealthy foods.
2. Lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle.

 9. Define asthma.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by narrowing of the bronchi, causing wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty in breathing.

 10. List two causes of COPD.

Two common causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are:

1. Long-term cigarette smoking.
2. Prolonged exposure to air pollution, dust, or harmful chemical fumes.

PART B-(5x13 = 60 marks)

PART – B

11 (a). Define lifestyle diseases and list the major risk factors responsible for them.

Definition

Lifestyle diseases are diseases that occur mainly due to unhealthy habits and poor lifestyle choices. They develop gradually over time and are largely preventable through healthy living.

Examples

• Diabetes Mellitus
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Obesity
• Cancer
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Major Risk Factors

1. Unhealthy Diet

• Excess intake of fat, sugar and salt.
• Low intake of fruits and vegetables.
• Consumption of processed and junk foods.

2. Physical Inactivity

• Lack of regular exercise.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Increases obesity and heart disease.

3. Tobacco Use

• Smoking and chewing tobacco.
• Causes cancer, COPD and heart diseases.

4. Alcohol Consumption

• Excess alcohol damages liver and heart.
• Increases cancer risk.

5. Stress

• Long-term stress increases blood pressure.
• Leads to anxiety and depression.

6. Obesity

• Increases risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

7. Lack of Sleep

• Disturbs metabolism.
• Increases obesity and hypertension.

8. Illicit Drug Use

• Damages the brain, heart and lungs.
• Weakens the immune system.

Prevention

• Balanced diet
• Daily exercise
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Maintain healthy weight
• Regular health check-ups
• Stress management

 

11 (b). Outline the role of illicit drug use in causing lifestyle diseases.

Introduction

Illicit drugs are harmful substances used without medical supervision. They damage many organs and increase the risk of chronic diseases.

Role in Lifestyle Diseases

1. Cardiovascular Diseases

• Increases blood pressure.
• Causes heart attack and stroke.

2. Respiratory Diseases

• Damages lungs.
• Causes breathing difficulties.

3. Cancer

• Some drugs contain carcinogenic chemicals.
• Increase risk of mouth and lung cancer.

4. Mental Disorders

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Memory loss

5. Liver Disease

• Liver damage due to toxic substances.

6. Kidney Disease

• Kidney failure due to drug toxicity.

7. Weak Immune System

• Frequent infections.

Prevention

• Awareness programmes
• Counselling
• Rehabilitation centres
• Healthy lifestyle

 

12 (a). Elaborate the causes, symptoms and prevention of mouth cancer.

Introduction

Mouth cancer develops in the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums or throat.

Causes

• Tobacco smoking
• Chewing tobacco
• Alcohol consumption
• HPV infection
• Poor oral hygiene
• Unhealthy diet
• Family history

Symptoms

• Mouth ulcer lasting more than two weeks
• White or red patches
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain while chewing
• Lump inside mouth
• Loose teeth
• Persistent bad breath

Prevention

• Stop tobacco use
• Avoid alcohol
• Eat fruits and vegetables
• Maintain oral hygiene
• Regular dental check-up
• HPV vaccination
• Early screening

 

12 (b). Summarize the various treatment options for cancer.

Introduction

Cancer treatment depends on the type, stage and patient's health.

Treatment Options

1. Surgery

Removal of cancerous tissue.

2. Chemotherapy

Uses drugs to destroy cancer cells.

3. Radiation Therapy

Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

4. Immunotherapy

Improves body immunity against cancer.

5. Targeted Therapy

Targets specific cancer cells.

6. Hormone Therapy

Used for breast and prostate cancer.

7. Stem Cell Transplant

Replaces damaged bone marrow.

8. Palliative Care

Reduces pain and improves quality of life.

 

13 (a). Explain coronary artery disease and its treatment strategies.

Definition

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when coronary arteries become narrowed due to plaque formation.

Causes

• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Family history

Symptoms

• Chest pain (Angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Heart attack

Diagnosis

• ECG
• Echocardiogram
• Angiography
• Stress test

Treatment

Lifestyle Modification

• Healthy diet
• Exercise
• Weight reduction
• Quit smoking

Medicines

• Aspirin
• Statins
• Beta blockers
• ACE inhibitors

Procedures

• Angioplasty with stent
• Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)

 

13 (b). Describe the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases using electrocardiograph.

Definition

Electrocardiography (ECG) records the electrical activity of the heart.

Principle

Electrodes placed on the skin detect electrical impulses.

Procedure

• Electrodes attached to chest, arms and legs.
• Machine records ECG waves.
• Test takes about 5–10 minutes.

ECG Waves

• P wave – Atrial contraction
• QRS complex – Ventricular contraction
• T wave – Ventricular relaxation

Uses

• Detects heart attack
• Detects arrhythmias
• Diagnoses ischemia
• Detects enlarged heart
• Monitors pacemaker function

Advantages

• Non-invasive
• Painless
• Quick
• Low cost

 

14 (a). Classify the types of diabetes mellitus and their complications.

Types

Type 1 Diabetes

• Autoimmune disease
• Insulin deficiency
• Common in children

Type 2 Diabetes

• Insulin resistance
• Most common type
• Associated with obesity

Gestational Diabetes

• Occurs during pregnancy
• Usually temporary

Other Specific Types

• Genetic disorders
• Pancreatic diseases
• Drug-induced diabetes

Complications

Acute

• Hypoglycemia
• Diabetic ketoacidosis

Chronic

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney disease
• Eye disease
• Nerve damage
• Foot ulcers

Prevention

• Healthy diet
• Exercise
• Regular blood sugar monitoring

 

14 (b). Examine the significance of BMI in maintaining healthy body weight.

Definition

Body Mass Index (BMI) measures body weight relative to height.

Formula

BMI = Weight (kg) / Height² (m²)

BMI Classification

BMI	Category
Below 18.5	Underweight
18.5–24.9	Normal
25–29.9	Overweight
≥30	Obese

Significance

• Detects obesity.
• Assesses nutritional status.
• Helps estimate disease risk.
• Guides weight management.
• Useful in public health screening.

Limitations

• Does not measure body fat directly.
• Less accurate for athletes.

 

15 (a). Interpret the causes and symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Definition

COPD is a chronic lung disease that causes airflow obstruction and breathing difficulty.

Causes

• Cigarette smoking
• Air pollution
• Occupational dust
• Chemical fumes
• Biomass fuel smoke
• Genetic factors

Symptoms

• Chronic cough
• Breathlessness
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Excess mucus
• Fatigue

Prevention

• Quit smoking
• Avoid pollution
• Vaccination
• Regular exercise

 

15 (b). Discuss the role of pulmonary function testing in the diagnosis of respiratory disease.

Definition

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) measure lung capacity and airflow.

Types

• Spirometry
• Lung volume measurement
• Diffusion capacity test
• Peak flow measurement

Role

• Diagnoses asthma.
• Detects COPD.
• Measures lung capacity.
• Monitors disease progression.
• Evaluates treatment effectiveness.
• Assesses fitness before surgery.

Advantages

• Non-invasive
• Accurate
• Quick
• Reliable

 

PART – C (15 Marks)

16 (a). Analyze how tobacco use, alcohol consumption and unhealthy diet contribute to cancer. Evaluate diagnostic methods and preventive strategies.

Introduction

Cancer develops due to uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption and unhealthy diet significantly increase cancer risk.

Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Cancer

1. Tobacco Use

• Contains carcinogenic chemicals.
• Causes DNA damage and mutations.
• Increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, lungs, esophagus, pancreas and bladder.

2. Alcohol Consumption

• Produces acetaldehyde, a carcinogenic compound.
• Damages tissues and increases oxidative stress.
• Raises the risk of cancers of the mouth, liver, breast and esophagus.

3. Unhealthy Diet

• High intake of processed foods, saturated fats and sugar promotes obesity.
• Low intake of fruits, vegetables and fiber reduces antioxidant protection.
• Obesity is linked to several cancers, including colorectal, breast and endometrial cancers.

Diagnostic Methods

• Physical examination and medical history
• Biopsy (gold standard)
• Blood tests and tumor markers
• Imaging: X-ray, CT scan, MRI, PET scan and ultrasound
• Endoscopy for gastrointestinal cancers
• Genetic testing in selected cases

Preventive Strategies

• Quit tobacco in all forms.
• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
• Receive HPV and Hepatitis B vaccinations where appropriate.
• Undergo regular cancer screening and health check-ups.
• Create awareness through health education programs.

 

16 (b). Design a lifestyle modification plan including diet and physical exercise to prevent obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Introduction

Lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are increasing because of physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits. A structured lifestyle modification plan can effectively reduce these risks.

1. Healthy Diet Plan

• Consume a balanced diet with whole grains, fruits, vegetables and pulses.
• Choose lean protein sources such as fish, legumes and skinless poultry.
• Include healthy fats from nuts and seeds.
• Limit sugar, salt, saturated fat and trans fat.
• Avoid junk food, processed foods and sugary drinks.
• Drink 2–3 litres of water daily.
• Eat meals at regular intervals and control portion sizes.

2. Physical Exercise Plan

• Perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
• Include brisk walking, cycling or swimming for 30–45 minutes on most days.
• Perform muscle-strengthening exercises at least 2 days per week.
• Include stretching and flexibility exercises.
• Reduce sedentary time by taking short walking breaks every hour.

3. Weight Management

• Maintain a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m².
• Monitor body weight regularly.
• Set realistic weight-loss goals if overweight.

4. Stress Management

• Practice yoga, meditation and deep breathing.
• Ensure adequate sleep (7–8 hours per night).
• Maintain a healthy work–life balance.

5. Avoid Harmful Habits

• Quit smoking and tobacco use.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Stay away from illicit drugs.

6. Regular Health Monitoring

• Check blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels periodically.
• Attend routine medical check-ups.