Nutrition+158-165+AG

Allie Gruber Human Bio Field Period 1 August 29, 2008

Pages 158-165

1. What is the rationale behind using BMI to judge obesity? BMI gives an idea of how much your weight is due to adipose tissue (fat).

2. What disorders are associated with obesity? Obesity could result in a higher risk for premature death, diabetes type 2, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, respiratory dysfunction, osteoarthritis and certain kinds of cancers.

3. Why might carbohydrates be the cause of the obesity epidemic today? Many carbohydrates have a high glycemic index because the blood glucose response to these foods is high causing the pancreas to produce an overload of insulin.

4. Why might fats be the cause of the obesity epidemic today? Cardiovascular disease is often due to arteries blocked by plaque which contains saturated fats and cholesterol

5. What types of fats are dangerous to our health? Low-density lipoprotein, Saturated fats and trans fat.

6. What type of fat is protective for cardiovascular disease? Unsaturated fats; such as those in oils.

7. Proteins provide the essential amino acids; why shouldn't they be eaten as an energy source? An excess of protein can increase calcium loss or lead to dehydration.

8. What is the chief contribution of each of these in the body -- carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fruits, vegetables? Carbohydrates convert fatty acids to glucose and provide energy to the body. Proteins are necessary to providing the essential amino acids. Fats such as polyunsaturated oils are nutritionally essential because they are the only type of fat that contains linoleic acid and linolenic acid which are two acids the body cannot make. Fruits and vegetables include vitamins C, E, and A which defend the body against free radicals.

9. In general, what does the USDA food pyramid tell you? To eat healthy yet balanced meals everyday with a variety of proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates to keep your body running properly.

10. Name and describe four eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa is a severe psychological disorder characterized by an irrational fear of getting fat that results in the refusal to eat enough food to maintain a healthy body weight. Bulimia nervosa results in normal body weights that tend to conceal their bingeing and purging practices. Binge-eating disorder is characterized by episodes of overeating that are not followed by purging. Muscle dysmorphia is a person who thinks his or her body is underdeveloped and therefore excessively works out and exercises.