The_Behaviors_of_Eating_Disorders

Obesity 1 Running head: EATING BEHAVIORS The Behaviors of Eating Disorders Sheri DeVito Pscy 106-005 October 24, 2011 Obesity 2 Abstract There are many different psychological, biological and cultural factors that contribute to the way we eat. Overeating and obesity is on the rise in the United States leading to different devastating disease which can in turn lead bodily injury and death. Factors such as genetics, cultural beliefs and socioeconomic status play a major role in the obesity epidemic plaguing our country today. Obesity 3 The United States today is largely affected by the rise in obesity in all age groups, nearly two-thirds of adults and one-third of children over eat and or obese (Caple, 2010). “Currently it is estimated that thirty four percent of Americans are obese, including roughly twenty five percent of Whites, thirty six percent of Blacks, thirty three percent of Native Americans, twenty eight percent of Hispanics and eight percent of Asians” (Caple, 2010). It is not surprising with these numbers why overeating and obesity is considered a rising problem for many people today. Obesity also leads to different health problems categorized by nonfatal or life threating by the World Health Organization examples are but not limited to: respiratory problems, arthritis, osteoarthritis, skin conditions, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and gallbladder disease (Newman, 2009). Considering how obesity relates to so many various illnesses’ it needs to be taking as a serious health condition in and of itself. Many experts find calculating a person’s body mass index or BMI is a reliable way to determine whether or not a person falls into an overweight category (Moisse, 2010). When looking at the adult population a BMI of 25kg/m2 is labeled overweight and a BMI of 30kg/m2 is considered obese, if your BMI is greater than 25kg/m2 you become at risk for problems such as elevated blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid levels, insulin resistance and these increase with a higher BMI (Moisse, 2010). I believe that it is important for Americans to be aware of their BMI so they can take a proactive approach to disease prevention directly relating to obesity and overeating. It was once thought that obesity was due to inactivity and overeating along however recent data proves that obesity is significantly higher among certain groups such as Blacks, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders and Native Americans as well as people of a lower socioeconomic status and can even differ among Obesity 4 people within a certain ethnic or cultural group (Caple, 2010). Today obesity is seen as a complex problem with many factors that contribute to its prevalence (Caple, 2010). “Further, ethnic, racial, and cultural factors have been found to influence obesity in the following ways: though genetic predisposition, affecting socioeconomic level and geographic location, through traditional cultural attitudes and beliefs, and by influencing activity level and dietary behaviors” (Caple, 2010). If we can understand the correlation between the above factors and obesity we as a society may be able to decrease the current obesity problem facing us the United States today. Many genetic and biological factors contribute to overeating and obesity in our society today. Around twenty years ago a researcher Bouchard demonstrated the role of biological inheritance in fat variations (Newman, 2009). “Bouchard found that visceral fat is more influenced by the genotype than subcutaneous fat” (Newman, 2009). “These important studies provide a substantial contribution toward the understanding of gene expression and how it can be used to expand our knowledge of obesity” (Newman, 2009). It is unfortunate that we cannot change our gene make up to decrease our chance for obesity and overeating however being aware of these factors can help identify a person’s predisposition to obesity. Obesity and related complications are more often seen in minority populations regardless of contributing factors such as socioeconomic status and education level (Caple, 2010). Hispanics with a family history of diabetes may be biologically prone to develop metabolic syndromes which in turn increase risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Caple, 2010). “Blacks appear to be genetically predisposed to obesity related HTN; Hispanics, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders appear to be genetically predisposed to obesity related DM2” (Caple, 2010). Unfortunately if you are Obesity 5 genetically inclined to obesity and obesity related illness you may have to work harder at keeping an optimal weight with diet modification and increase activity is imperative. There are also psychological motivations that influence our eating behaviors. One major factor that impacts the way that we are stress and how much or how little we encounter in our lives on a daily basis. Many people in this day and age are living busy and hectic lifestyles which tend to lead us to eat comfort foods to get rid of the stress (Lee, 2007). “Over the past two decades, stress has increased in an alarming rate” (Lee, 2007). Studies have found that is a close correlation between stress and obesity (Lee, 2007). For me at the end of a busy day it does make me feel better to know that I have chocolate ice cream waiting for me in the freezer. It is found that stress can make you feel hungry even if you have just consumed a meal (Lee, 2007). Quick fix meals and snacks that you may be reaching for may not be the healthiest and may lead to and increase weight for an individual. I understand that leading a stress free life is almost impossible for most but stress reduction techniques may help a person to cope with the craziness of the day. For me I find that eating is often a social behavior whether I’m eating a meal at home with my family or go out to dinner with my friends. For that reason I find that I personally get a sense of satisfaction and gratification when I eat. It seems that every time I get together with my girls friends for a fun night we always go out to dinner, I find myself associating going out to dinner with fun and happiness. When I do eat out I find myself eating high fat content foods that I would not usually be eating or I consume more bread than I would at home on any normal night. I feel it is that type of behavior and thinking that leads a lot of Americans to overeat on a more regular basis. Obesity 6 Cultural beliefs tend to also influence the way we eat as a society. “Although obese individuals are often discriminated against, certain minorities are more likely than Whites to perceive over weight and obesity in childhood as healthy, normal or harmless” (Caple, 2010). In the Hispanic culture overweight children are seen as a reflection of their parent’s wealth and good fortune (Caple, 2010). Among the African American culture children who are overweight are not categorizes as such they are commonly referred to as big boned or carrying baby fat (Caple, 2010). Depending on the cultural you were raised in your views on child hood obesity may differ. Hispanic and Black women are more prone to welcome being overweight or obese associating the extra weight as being desirable thinking of themselves as curvy (Caple, 2010). In certain cultures families and communities consume large amounts of food during celebrations and not consuming in excesses may be taking as insulting to the hosting family (Caple, 2010). A large number of children in the American culture live a sedentary lifestyle watching television and playing video games, rarely playing outside (Caple, 2010). Person’s views on eating and obesity and their tendencies toward each may be directly related to their culture and how they were raised. In conclusion many different factors influence the way that we eat. Obesity is increasing becoming a problem among people today and even children are being affected more than ever by the illness. Overeating may be motivated by real hunger or by perceived hunger which is considered to be psychological. Unfortunately genetics do play a role in a person’s obesity these people will have to work harder at watching what they eat as there caloric intake may have to be less than a person who is not genetically affected by obesity. To understand obesity and overeating one must look at many different factor and adjust their lives according. Reference: Caple, Carita. (2010). Obesity in a Culturally Diverse population: An Overview Providing Culturally Competent Cure. Evidence Based Care Sheet, Retrieved Oct, 10, 2011, from http://search.ebscohost.com. Lee, Albert. (2007). Why Stress Causes Obesity' Ezine Articles, Retrieved Oct 23, 2011. From EzineArticles.com Moisse, Katie. (2010) Childhood Obesity Shows Signs Of Tapering, But It Remains a Public Health Problem. Scientific American, Retrieved Oct 20,2011, from http://www.scientic- American.com Newman, M.A. (2009). Obesity in Older Adults. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, Retrieved Oct 10, 2011. From http://www.nursingworld.org