NUTR-120-01 (80274.202409) on 10/31/2024 (Thu)

Introduction

• Happy Halloween! Expect to see lots of costumes on campus.

• Reminder: Midterm exam number two is one week away.

Midterm Exam Preparations

• Important materials to bring:

  • Pencil

  • Eraser

  • Calculator (no cell phones allowed)

  • Physical photo ID

• Review session scheduled:

  • Date: Next Wednesday

  • Time: 12:30 PM

  • Location: Arts 102

Course Feedback

• Appreciate the increased response to the mid-course evaluation.

• Review sessions are based on student questions—aim is to help through personal inquiry rather than structured content delivery.

• Course objectives provided in study sheets are helpful guides for exam preparation.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Overview

• Introduced as a measure to assess potential health risks associated with weight.

• Discussed both pros and cons of using BMI for health evaluations.

Key Concepts

• Waist Circumference:

  • Important measure for health risk prediction regarding excess weight.

• Visceral Adiposity:

  • Location of body fat as a significant risk factor for health outcomes.

• Central Tendency Adiposity:

  • Discusses how and where we store excess weight.

Usefulness of BMI

• BMI can serve as a starting point for assessing health risks but should not be the sole indicator.

• Classifications of BMI:

  • Underweight: < 18.5

  • Normal weight: 18.5 - 24.9

  • Overweight: 25 - 29.9

  • Obesity: BMI of 30 or above

• Health risks associated with BMI ranges are recognized, e.g., type 2 diabetes, heart disease, various cancers.

Health Risks

• Risks of being underweight:

  • Anemia, respiratory issues, digestion problems, infertility in both genders.

• Risks of being overweight/obese:

  • Significant health issues such as heart disease and certain cancers.

Limitations of BMI

• Designed for adults (18 years and older).

• Not applicable for pregnant or lactating women.

• Special considerations:

  • Young adults who haven’t reached growth potential.

  • Children/adolescents—use specific growth charts for tracking.

  • Muscular athletes whose body composition may skew BMI results.

  • Older adults where BMI may not accurately reflect health due to factors like muscle loss.

Waist Circumference and Its Importance

Measurement Techniques

• Measurement involves finding the midpoint between the lower rib and hipbone, ensuring measurements are taken at the relaxed state.

Cut-off Points

• Standard waist circumference thresholds:

  • Men: Greater than 94 cm indicates increased health risks.

  • Women: Greater than 80 cm indicates increased health risks.

• Different ethnic groups may have varying risk levels associated with waist circumference.

Body Fat Distribution Types

• Apple Shape vs. Pear Shape:

  • Apple shape has a higher risk due to visceral fat stored around the waist.

  • Pear shape, having fat stored in hips and thighs, is associated with lower health risks.

Visceral Fat

• More metabolically active and linked to numerous chronic health conditions.

• Visceral fat can release inflammatory substances affecting overall health negatively.

Health Consequences of Obesity

• Includes cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, some cancers (e.g., breast, colorectal), osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, and sleep apnea.

• Social implications include stigma, functional limitations, and mental health issues.

Behavioral Change in Nutrition

Barriers to Healthy Eating

• Social influences: Family, friends, availability of food, socioeconomic factors, and community resources can sway health choices dramatically.

• Health belief model: Some refuse to adopt healthy behaviors despite awareness due to lack of belief that it applies to them.

Public Health and Policy Changes

• Roles for future health officers in addressing the obesity crisis.

• Various initiatives being undertaken in Canada and internationally to promote better health conditions, including educational programs focused on healthy eating.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• Behavioral change regarding diet and exercise involves understanding and overcoming barriers.

• Encouragement to explore techniques for sustained healthy weight management post-holidays.