Brief personal anecdote about Halloween candy.
Reminder of the upcoming midterm exam.
Focus: Weight loss diets and general weight maintenance in an obesogenic environment.
Discussion of fad diets due to student interest.
Midterm scheduled for Thursday.
Importance of reviewing instructions for the exam.
Conversion between metric and imperial units needed.
Key topics from previous assignments and exams emphasized.
Physical activity level charts and energy equations provided on last exam page.
Important instructions:
Bring a non-sharable calculator.
Student ID needed.
No wristwatches allowed.
Recap on scientific and social sciences related to obesity and body image.
Emphasizing the gap between knowledge and behavior change.
Acknowledging psychosocial factors influencing weight gain and loss.
Importance of recognizing individual challenges and reducing stigma.
Warning against weight loss products and scams (dietary supplements, skin patches, etc.).
Concept of 'snake oil salesmen' in modern context.
Importance of skepticism toward unrealistic weight loss claims.
Reminder to stay critical of airbrushed images in advertising.
Definition of diet in course context:
Diet = what you eat.
Distinction between healthy diets and weight loss diets.
Description and implications of yo-yo dieting.
Cycle of gaining weight, dieting, and regaining weight faster.
Impact of weight cycling on health and psychological well-being.
Mention of new studies linking yo-yo dieting to premature death in animals.
Description of the dieting mentality prevalent in North America.
Focus on weight loss as a primary goal versus lifestyle changes.
Appeal of fad diets and the weight loss industry's profits.
Successful weight management focuses on lifestyle changes not just weight loss.
Aim for a healthy body weight instead of strict weight loss.
Importance of making informed dietary changes:
Even modest weight loss (5-10%) can significantly improve health metrics.
Long-term maintenance strategies highlighted:
Small energy deficits over time.
Emphasizing gradual lifestyle changes instead of drastic diets.
Caloric Deficit: Aim for a modest caloric deficit based on dietary intake and physical activity levels.
Incremental Changes: Small changes in diet and activity can lead to significant results over time.
Consistent Monitoring: Regularly assess dietary habits and lifestyle changes, avoiding reliance on scale alone.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining metabolic health and preventing lean body mass loss.
Avoiding Extreme Diets: Stay away from crash diets and focus on balanced nutrition with adequate nutrients.
Psychological well-being can be negatively impacted by yo-yo dieting and dieting failures.
Importance of positive self-talk and cognitive restructuring to mitigate negative feelings associated with weight management.
Considerations for children, pregnant women, and those at risk for type 2 diabetes during dietary recommendations.
Importance of family involvement in promoting healthy eating habits.
Overall message: Prioritize health and well-being over merely losing weight.
Suggests a focus on enjoyable, sustainable lifestyle changes for long-term health.