Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Diagnostic criteria (at least 3 of the following should be identified) Criterion Threshold Waist circumference >40 inches (102 cm) in men; >35 inches (88…

Obesity is a common condition caused by chronic positive energy balance. A body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 is considered obese. Anthropometric measures Measure Significance BMI Common screening tool for overweight and obesity Waist circumference Best indicator of visceral fat and predictor of…

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition characterised by villous atrophy and malabsorption, due to hypersensitivity to gluten in the small intestine. It peaks in childhood and between 50 and 60 years.

Malabsorption is the impaired absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the gastrointestinal tract. It results from disturbance in at least one of the 4 phases of nutrient digestion and absorption: Definition of terms Term Definition Maldigestion This is impaired breakdown…

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They are characterised by relapsing and remitting inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn’s disease vs Ulcerative colitis Crohn’s disease Ulcerative colitis Symptoms Non-bloody diarrhoea, more prominent weight loss, upper gastrointestinal symptoms, mouth ulcers, and…

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterised by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits without any identifiable organic cause. The Rome IV criteria is used to classify IBS based on the predominant bowel habit: The Rome IV criteria for the diagnosis…