Managing Weight and Eating Behaviors
You maintain your weight by taking in as many calories as you use. 25% of teens do NOT participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity at least once a week. 35% of teens watch three or more hours of TV on an average school day.
Metabolism- the process by which the body breaks down substances and gets energy from food. It takes about 3,500 calories to equal 1 pound of body fat. If you consume 500 fewer calories than you use each day, you will lose 1 pound per week.
Body mass index and body composition help you judge whether your weight is healthy. Body mass index (BMI)- a measure of body weight relative to height. Overweight- heavier than the standard weight range for your height.
Obese- having an excess of body fat. More than 17% of teens in the US are overweight. Underweight- below the standard weight range for your height. Some people are naturally thing because of genetics and/or they have a fast metabolism.
Healthful ways to manage your weight: Target a healthy weight Set a realistic goal Personalize your plan Put your goals and plan in writing Evaluate your progress
Choose nutrient-dense food Watch portion size Eat fewer foods that are high in fats and added sugars Enjoy your favorite foods in moderation Be active Tone your muscles Stay hydrated
Select foods from the 5 major food groups that are higher in calories. Choose higher-calorie, nutrient-rich foods. Eat nutritious snacks. Get regular physical activity.
Physical activity can help you lose or maintain a healthy weight. Added benefits of regular physical activity: Helps relieve stress Promotes a normal appetite response Increases self-esteem, which helps you keep your plan on track Helps you feel more energetic
The media and other influences can affect your body image. Body Image- the way you see your body.
Fad diets are not a safe or reliable way to lose weight. Some include: Miracle foods Magic combinations Liquid diets Diet pills Fasting
Eating Disorders- extreme, harmful eating behaviors that can cause serious illness or even death. Classified as a mental illness. Can be linked to depression, low self-esteem, or troubled personal relationships.
Anorexia Nervosa- an eating disorder in which an irrational fear of weight gain leads people to starve themselves. People with anorexia develop obsessive behaviors such as: Avoiding food and meals. Eating only a few kinds of food in small amounts. Weighing or counting calories in everything they eat. Exercising excessively. Weighing themselves repeatedly. * Health consequences: malnutrition, brittle bones, low body temp., heart rate, and blood pressure, and reduced organ size. Can lead to heart problems and sudden cardiac death.
Bulimia Nervosa- an eating disorder that involves cycles of overeating and purging, or attempts to rid the body of food. * Health consequences- dehydrations, sore and inflamed throat, and swollen glands. Damage to stomach, intestines, or kidneys. Can lead to irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, and death. Binge eating disorder- an eating disorder in which people overate compulsively. * Health consequences- becoming overweight or obese, develop high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Eating disorders are serious and dangerous illnesses. It is sometimes hard for people with an eating disorder to admit they have a problem. Family and friends should help them recognize they have a problem and seek help.
Your age, gender, lifestyle, and health needs can affect your body’s food needs. Age- during your teen years your body’s calorie needs increase to support growth. Gender- generally females tend to need fewer calories than males. Activity Level- the more active you are, the more calories your body needs.
Vegetarian- a person who eats mostly or only plant based food. Lacto-ovo vegetarians also eat dairy foods & eggs. Lacto vegetarians add dairy foods to their diet. Ovo vegetarians add eggs to their diets.
The foods people eat can trigger certain diseases or health conditions: Diabetes Food allergies Lactose intolerance Celia disease- gluten intolerance High blood pressure High cholesterol
Eating right affects an athlete’s performance. Teen athletes need from 2,000-5,000 calories per day depending on their sport. Before competing choose a meal that is high in carbohydrates and low in fat and protein. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after a performance.
Performance enhancers- substances that boost athletic ability. Best known performance enhancers include: Anabolic steroids Andro Creatine Energy drinks