What changes in supermarket choices and the food-away-from-home ...

[azncindy619]

What changes in supermarket choices and the food-away-from-home industry might have a positive impact on the nutrition and health of U.S. residents?

Question 2

Why does most people's weight remain stable over time?

[Jane]

Answer to Question 1

Being able to choose salads and sandwiches made with lean meats and whole-grain breads. Purchasing 100-kcalorie snack packs, pre-portioned items, and other reduced-kcalorie, portion-controlled foods. Having an assortment of low-fat single-serving dairy products such as yogurts, low-fat cheese sticks, and frozen pops/ice cream (low in added sugars) available. Providing conveniently packaged or easy grab n' go fruits and vegetables.

Answer to Question 2

Scientists have long suspected that a complex signaling system regulating body weight exists in humans. To test this theory, researchers observed weight gain and weight loss cycles in mice. When food-restricted, mice lost weight. When taken off food restriction, the mice increased their food consumption and soon returned to their original weight. Once the mice returned to their original weight, their consumption dropped off. This phenomenon was termed the set point theory of body regulation. Adipose tissue is now known to be a very active tissue that responds to factors circulating in the blood and communicated to the brain. When adipose tissue increases beyond a set point in humans, it is believed that a signal causes food intake to decrease and/or energy expenditure to increase to promote weight loss. On the other hand, if adipose tissue stores decrease below a set point, food intake increases and energy expenditure decreases, favoring weight gain. Ultimately, body weight is set and remains relatively stable.