Weight Issues

The role of diet in preventing the conditions of being underweight, overweight, and obesity:

The calories that we consume need to balance with the energy that we expend. If there is not a balance of calories in matching calories out, then we either gain or lose weight. In addition to diet, physical activity also plays a large role in weight management. “Energy expenditure through physical activity is an important part of the energy balance equation that determines body weight” (WHO, 2003). A cultural downfall in American culture is the rise in value of labor-savers and ease (such as automobiles, elevators, and get thin quick diets). We are busier than ever, but move much less than ever before. “A decrease in energy expenditure through decreased physical activity is likely to be one of the major factors contributing to the global epidemic of overweight and obesity” (WHO, 2003). In addition, food is considered a source of pleasure, not really as a source of energy. We, as a nation, typically have grown to like rich, sugary, and high fattening foods. These lend no nutritional value, but an abundance of unneeded calories. “Over past decades, the abundance of food has increased enormously while the daily demand for physical activity for survival has all but disappeared” (Sizer, 2011). This has largely contributed to the obesity crisis that is growing in America. But, this is not the only problem that is creeping into our society, underweight individuals are on the rise, most likely due to the overemphasis on unattainable images in pop culture and fashion. “Over the past few years it has become clear that weight is an important health issue. Some people who need to lose weight for their health don't recognize it, while others who don't need to lose weight want to get thinner for cosmetic reasons” (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 2012). Being underweight is defined as being below a healthy weight, typically a BMI below of 18.5. Someone may become underweight by not consuming enough energy to make up for energy lost. Being underweight leaves an individual with a risk of wasting (the body diminishing in proper function), diminished immune system, and the restriction of energy flow. Disease and malnutrition may also contribute to weight lose. Being overweight, however, is having a body weight that is technically above a health range (a BMI of 25-29.9). This state can occur by consuming more energy than that which is expended. So, it is caused by both eating too much and moving too little. Even being slightly overweight can negatively affect your health. It adds extra stress to the body and its systems in which should be avoided for optimal health. Being obese is also considered overfat, as opposed to being overweight. Obesity is considered having a BMI 30 or higher, and increases risks for health complications such as abdominal hernias, arthritis, kidney stones, sleeping disorders, skin issues, varicose veins, and respiratory problems. Obesity also contributes to various diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, gallbladder stones, stroke, and even some types of cancers. “Obesity triples a person’s risk of developing diabetes, and even modest weight gain raises the risk” (Sizer, 2011). A healthy diet alone can help diminish a chronic disease and even reverse it. Providing the body with healthy foods supplies it with proper energy, nourishes it, and can even heal it. As stated in previous posts, we need a balanced variety of nutrients, and make sure that once a healthy weight is attained we only eat the amount of energy that we need to replace the energy we expend. Eating the right foods, coupled with exercise, will help to maintain a proper body weight. Also, avoiding excess amounts of refined and processed foods, while consuming proper proportions the six vital nutrients, will additionally help maintain a healthy body weight. It is about balance and attitude. Basically, “the best way for most people to attain a healthy body composition boils down to control in three areas: dies, physical activity, and behavior change” (Sizer, 2011).

References

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (2012). Your Weight Is Important. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/behavior.htm

Sizer, F., & Whitney, E. (2011). Nutrition concepts and controversies (12^th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth learn

WHO (2003). Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases. World Health Organization. Retrieved from http://whqlibdoc.who.int/trs/who_trs_916.pdf