Physical Activity, Fad Diets, and Eating Disorders

Physical Activity 23.5 hours

Canadian Statistics Only 15% of Canadians achieve recommended amount of exercise Only 10% of young people get enough exercise

Report Card

Importance of Physical Activity It Can Help Control your weight Reduce risk of cardiovascular disease Reduce risk for type 2 diabetes Strengthen bones and muscles Improve your mental health Prevent falls in older adults

Fad Diets Diets that are popular for a short period of time These diets are hard to stick to for a long period of time You’re allowed only a few foods Loose x pounds in x days Examples: South beach diet, Mediterranean diet, Atkins diet

Risky Weight Loss Strategies Fasting: you need a fresh supply of nutrients daily Liquid Protein Diets: High protein, low carbohydrate liquid diet Diet Pills: Claim to burn fat from your system

Eating Disorders Today’s society is obsessed with being thin Average female model is 5 feet 8 inches and weighs less than 110 pounds Two major disorders: Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa Fear of becoming obese When you look in the mirror you see your body as overweight Usually starts in teen years Severely limit the amount of food they eat Become extremely thin

Bulimia Nervosa Binge eating, followed by frantic efforts to avoid weight gain Secrecy surrounding eating Going to the bathroom after meals Poor body image, low self esteem, major life changes

Smart Weight Loss Strategies Eat fewer calories, but make sure they are nutrient dense Burn more calories through exercise Best strategy is to do both!

Smart Weight Gain Strategies Increase caloric intake, especially in foods with high complex carbohydrates Eat more frequently Eat nutritious snacks