8: Weight, weight bias, nutrition and physical activity
- Page ID
- 116454
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)This chapter examines obesity, weight bias, and health. While public health concern about the rise in obesity is substantial, I also wanted you to be exposed to a lesser-known CONTROVERSY about obesity:
- Is fat an actual cause of the health problems correlated to obesity or not?
- What happens when we focus on the "o-word," obesity, in ways that stigmatize fat people?
- What about the role of weight bias or fat discrimination?
This chapter also offers some information about improving access to good nutrition and access to physical activity -- something that almost all communities need, regardless of weight.
- 8.1: Learning Outcomes (goals for this module)
- This page emphasizes the role of nutrition and physical activity in mental health and immune function, particularly concerning chronic diseases. It aims to teach students key terms related to obesity, critique the obesity debate, and understand nutrition and physical activity. Additionally, it discusses public health strategies to improve community access to these resources, with optional readings for further exploration.
- 8.2: Obesity- A controversy
- This page addresses the "obesity epidemic" in the U.S., highlighting the debate over its health implications. While obesity is often viewed as a significant health issue, some experts argue that poor nutrition, inactivity, and discrimination against fat individuals are the real culprits behind health decline. This discrimination worsens health issues and is linked to chronic diseases.
- 8.3: Regarding obesity, we have at least two controversies
- This page explores the complexities of obesity, questioning its inherent dangers versus the influence of factors like nutrition and lifestyles. It notes the challenges of long-term dieting success and examines health outcomes for weight losers versus those who are naturally thin. The text advocates for good nutrition and physical activity for all, regardless of weight, and indicates that ongoing research may shed light on the health impacts of obesity.
- 8.4: Americans have gained weight
- This page discusses the significant rise in obesity rates in the U.S. since the 1970s, with adult rates climbing from 31% to 40% and childhood rates from 13.9% to 18.5% by 2016. It highlights regional differences and disparities affecting women, minorities, and low-income populations. The CDC's BMI criteria define obesity, and while some demographics experienced a brief stabilization, rates have notably escalated again during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 8.5: ONE VIEW- Obesity - the most serious health problem of our day!
- This page discusses the obesity debate, emphasizing the health risks of overweight, such as heart disease and diabetes. It highlights new weight loss drugs like semaglutide that can lead to significant weight loss and improved metabolic health, but notes they won't solve obesity completely and weight may be regained. There are also concerns regarding the high costs and medication shortages that may impact diabetics relying on these treatments.
- 8.7: A DIFFERENT VIEW- Obesity - a manifestation of fat-phobia and a distraction from the real issues!
- This page discusses the debate over obesity, arguing that fears about body size are exaggerated. Advocates claim health risks are more behavior-related than size-related and point to studies favoring the health of larger individuals. They criticize biases in healthcare and suggest that health-focused interventions are more effective than weight loss efforts. Proponents like Lindo Bacon promote the "Health At Every Size" framework, stressing lifestyle factors over weight.
- 8.8: What causes obesity? What causes the diseases associated with obesity?
- This page discusses how genetics affects body composition and fat storage but does not explain the rising average weight in populations over the past 30 years. It identifies key modifiable factors such as diet, physical activity, sleep, and maternal influences that contribute to weight and health outcomes. The page emphasizes the importance of creating healthier environments to improve overall population health, regardless of individual weight.
- 8.9: What is good nutrition?
- This page highlights the ongoing conflicts in nutrition advice while stressing essential recommendations like a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoidance of empty calories, and preference for whole foods. Michael Pollan's motto, "Eat food. Mostly greens. Not too much," encapsulates these ideas. The FDA's MyPlate guidelines advocate for at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily but face scrutiny.
- 8.10: Physical Activity
- This page discusses the importance of physical activity for fitness and well-being, highlighting the decline in activity levels, especially among children. It outlines the various benefits of exercise, including mental health improvements and stress reduction. The text emphasizes the necessity for supportive environments and policies to facilitate increased activity, advocating for accessible spaces and the integration of movement into daily life to combat sedentary lifestyles.