Sci 220 - Body Fat & Eating Disorders

Body Fat & Eating Disorders

Sabrina Jansen

SCI/220

01/09/2017

Dr. Doug Beaudette

Body Fat & Eating Disorders

        What is one of the most prevalent epidemics in America right now?  It is obesity.  Within this paper we will discuss this epidemic along with eating disorders.  We will take a closer look into anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating.   We will discuss risks associated with excess body fat, at least 5 factors that influence the obesity epidemic, assess various the various techniques for measuring body fat & explain various strategies for weight loss.  We will also be discussing health problems associated with eating disorders, how each of the mentioned above eating disorder may lead to health problems, and what the possible treatment options are for each.  

Body Fat & Weight Loss

        There are many health risks associated with excess body fat.  Risks such as high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, abdominal blood fat, metabolic syndrome, cancer, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, gallstones, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, and reproductive problems.  So what are some of the factors that aid in the obesity epidemic which leads to these health problems?  Some factors include restaurant dining, physical education, or the lack there of, vending machines, high-fructose corn syrups, and in some communities, there is a lack of sidewalks and parks.  With obesity being such a problem in America there are ways and techniques to measure an individual’s body fat.  The most popular is with skin calipers which pinch portions of your skin to measure the thickness, there is bioelectrical impedance, hydrostatic weighing, and air displacement plethysmography.  Once you understand your body mass index, you can determine what steps to take I order to lose any extra pounds in order to bring your BMI into a healthy range.  First you need to make a personal commitment, then find your inner motivation, set realistic goals, learn to enjoy healthy foods, and finally get active and stay active.

Eating Disorders

Along with the epidemic of obesity, many Americans also struggle with eating disorders.  The top three disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating.  As you can imagine, there are many health problems that are associated with these eating disorders.  Victims of anorexia often times deal with muscle loss and weakness, fainting, fatigue, reduction of bone density, dry hair and skin, hair loss and abnormally slow heart rate.  Bulimia nervosa can cause tooth decay and staining due to stomach acid, electrolyte imbalances, irregular heartbeat, heart failure, dehydration, chronic irregular bowel movements, peptic ulcers, and even death.  Binge eating has health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, heart disease as a result of elevated triglyceride levels, gallbladder disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.  Thankfully, there are treatments to help those suffering from these disorders.  Treatments include medical treatments, both in and out patient, nutritional and psychological counseling, medications, and therapy.