Discuss the relationship between body weight and health. Be sure to touch on BMI, body composition, and environmental and lifestyle factors. (USLO 9.1)
Explain the principle of energy balance and the components of energy expenditure (BMR, NEAT, TEF, EER). (USLO 9.2)
Discuss potential genetic and environmental factors that may affect body weight. (USLO 9.3)
Discuss diets, medications, and surgeries for weight loss. Be sure to incorporate the weight loss decision tree, and guidelines. (USLO 9.4)
Pick out 3 of the following eating disorders and outline them (USLO 9.5):
Anorexia athletica
Anorexia nervosa
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
Bing-eating disorder
Bulimia nervosa
Diabulimia
Female athlete triad
Muscle dysmorphia
Night-eating syndrome
Pica
Rumination disorder
Selective eating disorder
Describe how food and physical activity interact to promote health and manage body weight. Be sure to discuss the ABC’s of behavior modification. (USLO 9.6)
Outline the relationship between nutrients and fueling physical activity and optimizing performance. (USLO 9.7)
Discuss the use of ergogenic aids. Pick out 5 of the ergogenic aids covered in the lecture/text and discuss their use and efficacy. (USLO 9.8)
Sample Answer
That's a comprehensive request covering several key topics in nutrition and health! Here is a detailed discussion on the relationship between body weight and health, energy balance, factors affecting weight, weight management strategies, eating disorders, the role of food and activity, fueling physical activity, and ergogenic aids.
🍎 Body Weight and Health (USLO 9.1)
The relationship between body weight and health is complex and non-linear. While both insufficient and excessive body weight can pose health risks, simply focusing on the number on the scale is inadequate. Health risk is more accurately determined by body composition and where excess fat is stored.
Body Mass Index (BMI): This is a widely used screening tool calculated as weight (kg) / height (m)$^2$. It categorizes individuals into weight status categories (underweight, healthy weight, overweight, obese).
Limitation: BMI does not account for muscle mass versus fat mass. A highly muscular athlete may have a high BMI but a very healthy body composition. It also doesn't specify fat distribution (e.g., abdominal fat is a higher risk factor).
Body Composition: This refers to the proportion of fat mass (body fat) versus lean mass (muscle, bone, water, organs) in the body. A high percentage of body fat, especially visceral fat (around internal organs), is strongly associated with increased risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers, even in individuals with a "healthy" BMI.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors: These factors often mediate the relationship between weight and health. For example:
Diet: A poor diet high in ultra-processed foods contributes to inflammation and disease risk regardless of weight.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise is protective, improving heart health, insulin sensitivity, and mental well-being, often mitigating risks associated with being overweight.
Sleep, Stress, Genetics: All play a role in metabolic function and disease susceptibility.
⚖️ Energy Balance and Expenditure (USLO 9.2)
Energy balance is the relationship between energy intake (calories consumed from food and beverages) and energy expenditure (calories used by the body).
Principle of Energy Balance:
Positive Energy Balance: Energy intake > Energy expenditure $\rightarrow$ Weight gain (storing excess energy).
Negative Energy Balance: Energy intake < Energy expenditure $\rightarrow$ Weight loss (using stored energy).
Energy Equilibrium (Balance): Energy intake = Energy expenditure $\rightarrow$ Weight maintenance.