UNIT 4: WEIGHT Flashcards
describe the methods used to quantify body composition.
- BMI: a numerical value calculated from a person’s weight and height, used to assess their body weight category (underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese).
- Waist Circumference: a measurement around the abdomen that helps assess body fat distribution and the potential risk of obesity-related health issues.
- Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA): Measures body fat by passing a low-level electrical current through the body. Quick and non-invasive.
- Skinfold Thickness: Measures fat thickness at specific sites using calipers. Simple and low-cost.
describe the advantages and limitations of BMI
BMI:
advantages
-Simple and easy to calculate.
-Widely used and understood.
limitations
-Does not distinguish between fat and muscle mass.
-Not suitable for certain populations (e.g., athletes or older adults).
-Does not account for body fat distribution or other health factors.
describe the advantages and limitations of waist circumference
Advantages of Waist Circumference:
-Reflects abdominal fat distribution, a significant health risk factor.
-Quick and straightforward to measure.
Limitations of Waist Circumference:
-Does not provide a comprehensive assessment of overall body composition.
-Does not account for total body fat or lean mass.
-Interpretation may vary based on ethnicity and age.
describe the advantages and limitations of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
Quick and non-invasive; Sensitive to hydration status and not as accurate as DXA.
describe the advantages and limitations of Skinfold Thickness
Simple and inexpensive; Accuracy depends on the skill of the person taking measurements.
define the terms obesity, overweight, and underweight and discuss the health problems associated with them.
Obesity: Excessive accumulation of body fat, leading to an increased risk of various health issues such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. BMI of 30 or higher
Overweight: A condition of having a higher body weight than considered healthy, which can lead to health concerns like cardiovascular problems and joint issues. BMI between 25 and 29.9
Underweight: Having a body weight lower than considered healthy, which may result in weakened immunity, nutrient deficiencies, and reproductive problems. BMI below 18.5
list the factors that contribute to obesity.
Factors contributing to obesity:
1.Poor diet and excessive calorie intake.
2. Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity.
3. Genetic and family history.
4. Environmental factors and food availability.
5. Psychological factors like stress and emotional eating.
6. Socioeconomic factors and access to healthcare.
describe the eating disorders continuum including the three major eating disorders.
- Anorexia Nervosa: Severe restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image.
- Bulimia Nervosa: Episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors (e.g., vomiting, excessive exercise) to control weight.
- Binge Eating Disorder: Recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption without purging, leading to distress and loss of control.
At one end of the continuum, there is severe restriction (anorexia), followed by a combination of binge eating and purging (bulimia), and at the other end, excessive food consumption (binge eating disorder). Seeking professional help is essential for recovery from any eating disorder.
explain the health risks related to each of the eating disorders.
Anorexia Nervosa: Malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, heart problems, bone density loss, and organ damage due to severe food restriction.
Bulimia Nervosa: Electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, tooth decay, and esophageal damage from purging behaviors.
Binge Eating Disorder: Obesity-related health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, as well as emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
discuss the roles of exercise, diet, nutrition, lifestyle modification, fad diets, and other strategies of weight control, and describe the effectiveness of each strategy.
Exercise: Promotes calorie burn, improves metabolism, and enhances overall health. Effective for weight loss when combined with a balanced diet.
Diet/Nutrition: Crucial for weight control; a balanced, calorie-controlled diet supports sustainable weight loss.
Lifestyle Modification: Adopting healthy habits like portion control, mindful eating, and regular meal patterns aid in weight management.
Fad Diets: Often unsustainable and may lack essential nutrients, leading to potential health risks and short-term weight loss only.
Other Strategies: Supportive approaches, such as behavioral therapy and support groups, can enhance adherence and long-term success.
