Complications of Overnutrition in Companion Animals
Correct nutrition is vital to the health and well-being of companion animals. Overnutrition occurs when there is an imbalance in the body's "energy balance equation" -- when dietary energy intake exceeds energy utilization (from basal metabolic rate, exercise, and thermoregulation).<sup1sup>Prolonged overnutrition leads to obesity, defined as an accumulation of excessive amounts of adipose tissue. Dogs and cats are considered overweight when current weight exceeds ideal weight by 10%, and are considered obese when current weight is greater than 20% above ideal.2
Obesity is thought to be one of the most important medical problems in companion animals, with recent prevalence estimates ranging from 30% to 50%.2-6 As in humans, obesity in companion animals is a risk factor for many diseases, and there is evidence of decreased longevity in obese dogs (see Consequences). These compelling data justify the need for urgent intervention.
Causes
Obesity can arise secondary to certain diseases (eg, hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism in dogs), the use of pharmaceuticals agents (eg, drug-induced polyphagia caused by glucocorticoids and anticonvulsant drugs), and rare genetic defects (in humans).1 However, most cases result from simple overnutrition, and numerous factors may influence the relative ease with which weight is gained, including genetics, age, neuter status, amount of physical activity, and caloric content of the diet.
Breed associations include the retriever breeds (Labrador [Figure 1], golden retriever), Cairn terrier, cavalier King Charles spaniel, and cocker spaniel for dogs; domestic shorthair cats are also overrepresented.1,2 Neutering is an important risk factor because it may lead to behavioral changes that result in increased food intake and decreased activity (ie, overnutrition).7,8 Other recognized associations include indoor lifestyle, inactivity, and middle age.1 Dietary factors can also lead to the development of obesity in both species, and include the number of meals and snacks fed, feeding of table scraps, and the animal's presence at human mealtimes.
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