Chapters authored
Diet and Obesity
Obesity is a complex disease that involves an excessive amount of body fat. It is a medical problem that increases the risk of other diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers. Although there are genetic, behavioral, metabolic and hormonal influences on body weight, obesity occurs when you take in more calories than you burn through exercise and daily activities that is when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. Diet plays an important role in the pathogenesis of obesity; fatty foods are energy dense and gives 9calories per gram compared to carbohydrate and protein that gives 4calories per gram. Also, if physical activity is inadequate, excess consumption of fat can results into weight gain. It does not take as much energy (about 3%), to convert and store dietary fat as it does to convert and store glucose. Fats are easily stored by the body. The aim of this chapter is to provide an understanding of physiological causes and effects of obesity as this will help to promote positive food choices. It is probable that an understanding of dietary patterns and how it relates to obesity will go a long way in the treatment of this complex problem.
Part of the book: Psychology and Pathophysiological Outcomes of Eating
Anorexia Nervosa: Opportunities and Challenges in Treatment
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder condition characterized by an abnormal fear of gaining weight, driving people to starve themselves and become dangerously thin. It involves restricting food intake, which can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies. Anorexia nervosa can affect people of all ages, genders, races and ethnicities. The effects of anorexia nervosa can be life threatening, but counseling and treatment for underlying mental health issues can help people with this condition. Goals of treatment include restoring the person to a healthy weight, treating emotional issues such as low self-esteem, correcting distorted thinking patterns, and developing long-term behavioral changes. Early diagnosis and treatment are more likely to lead to a positive outcome. The physical signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa are related to starvation. Anorexia also includes emotional and behavioral issues involving an unrealistic perception of body weight and an extremely strong fear of gaining weight or becoming fat. This chapter aimed to understand the opportunities embedded and challenges encountered in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Information given will assist the patient and team of professionals (primary care physician, mental health professionals, nutritionist, counselors) in the treatment of this disorder to support recovery and prevent relapse.
Part of the book: Weight Management