What problems are associated with an imbalance of the intake energy giving food and the individuals energy expenditure?

Kieth Fryan

The above table shows the dramatic increase in obesity in developed countries between 1978 and 1994. The major cause of obesity regards the coursework question. A foods energy content is measured in calories. If an individual eats more calories than their body uses the remaining amount of calories is stored as fat and so subsequently causes weight gain. Although this can be considered a major cause there are also other factors that can result in obesity/weight gain. Such factors include the biological factors i.e. an individuals basal metabolic rate – this is how fast an individual ‘burns up’ calories. A second such factor can be an individual’s genetics. Although scientists are not sure which genes cause obesity but it has been discovered that an individual has an adult bodyweight similar to those of their genetic parents. Finally, and the most influential in recent years (evident in the above table) is the lifestyle of an individual e.g. “increase in fatty foods, irregular mealtimes and fewer smokers” (Stewart Truswell). After interviewing several people one quote stuck in my mind “I feel like I have no life, obesity is my life and it’s taking over, society” (Janette Graham). Over the past century there has been a dramatic increase of calorie consumption and a decline in physical activity and, as well as this a higher

interest, availability, selection and the common choice of convenience foods over healthy foods has led to the increase of obesity, particularly in developed countries.

        Obesity can develop into a lifelong condition through the mentioned factors, but although obesity cannot be stopped in some cases it can be managed and prevented through a combination of “Diet, Exercise, Weight loss medication and Behaviour modification or, in drastic circumstances – Surgery” (Encarta encyclopaedia). When dieting an individuals emphasis should not be not eating at all (health risk due to the lack of elements for a balanced diet) but on what they eat. Mainly a diet consists of nutritional balance i.e. enough calories to be healthy but no excess and can be achieved through the replacement of meals with a liquid shake e.g. slim fast or proportion controlled meals. Secondly exercise; although effect of exercise and short-term exercise are contradictory (muscle formation) it has been proven that long term exercise is the single best predictor for long-term weight loss. It can also be beneficial in fighting the medical difficulties than obesity can cause such as elevated blood cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Each individual can develop certain trends or habits regarding eating or exercise. One such example is the association of depression with eating or drinking alcohol or chocolate in excess. These unwanted binges can be altered through behaviour modification and so weight will be lost through the more physical activity the individual may partake in and the less ‘junk’ food eaten. Weight loss medication is only advised for the obese (BMI > 30) due to their dramatic effect and possible risks or side effects of their consumption. One such drug is Sibutramine, which increases fullness and so, makes it easier for the change in diet and maintenance of weight loss easier to accomplish, but this drug carries with it the possible side effect of a highly increased blood pressure. Another such drug is Orlistat that stops the bodies’ absorption of fat molecules. The final and most extreme method of achieving weight loss is through surgery (advised for the severely obese i.e. BMI > 40). There are two accepted surgical procedures for weight loss: gastroplasty and gastric bypass. Although they are two different methods both dramatically reduce the size of the individuals stomach to a pouch, which drastically limits the amount of food the individual can consume and so achieving weight loss. Even though surgery is often successful even after it an individual must follow a specific diet and exercise regime as stated above to maintain a healthy weight and so live a long and happy life.

Andrew Wilson T 1-7