3. Discussion Why are Americans overweight? Think about GDP and how it may play a part
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5. Obesity Defined as weighing more than 30% greater than their recommended weight Dangers Heart disease One of the highest killers in the United States Respiratory problems Bladder disease
6. Obesity causes Family environment Heredity Missing the gene that signals that the body has eaten enough Number of fat cells present A person with a high number may feel constantly hungry even if they lose the weight Metabolic rates differ for everyone
7. Hunger Drive Fulfills Maslow’s most basic heirachy Regulated by both biological and psychological factors Influenced by family structure and culture Remember the centurions in Japan who stopped eating when they were 20% full What is the most influential body function when it comes to hunger?
8. Role of the Mouth The act of chewing influences whether or not we feel hungry Dog experiment Chewing allows the body to keep us from overeating because the digestive system takes time Brain sends signals based on the amount of chewing
9. Role of the Stomach Hunger pains or sounds do not influence our hunger because the stomach contracts at different times as well. Its purpose is to metabolize the food not signal a feeling of hunger
10. The Hypothalamus Involved in the regulation of body temperature and various aspects of motivation Receives and interprets information on the body’s blood sugar levels to determine hunger Lateral Hypothalamus functions as a “start-eating” center If this is stimulated it will signal hunger, rat example Ventromedial Hypothalamus functions as the “stop eating” center
11. Psychological Factors When your friends are eating or talking about food you are generally hungrier Food can be used as a coping device because it brings a sense of well-being and relaxation Eating or drinking at the first sign of anxiety or pressure Careful when using food as a reward because it will develop a psychological reward system
