Author Question: Based on what you have read about the various factors that influence body weight, do you think ... (Read 148 times)

daltonest1984 · **on:** Aug 21, 2018

Based on what you have read about the various factors that influence body weight, do you think society treats people who are obese differently from those who are not obese?

Question 2

What insights did you gain from August about what it is like to be obese?

Silverbeard98 · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 21, 2018

Answer to Question 1

An opinion. Chapter 8 mentions several factors that may influence body weight: 1) Eating habitsthe amount of food we consume, including increased portion and plate sizes and more calories from excessive snacking; 2) societal influenceseating away from home more often than in the past, and perhaps a greater social acceptance of the snacking that increases the contribution of calories to our diets; and 3) sociocultural and psychological factorsbeing obese influences levels of self-esteem and confidence. Despite the many factors that may or may not influence body weight, society generally assumes that the reason for obesity is excess food intake and lack of physical activity.

Answer to Question 2

As a child, August tried to lose weight still had hunger. As an adult, August felt guilt about her food intake, was unable to lose weight, and still had this hunger. August struggled with finding employment and performing simple activities with her children. After choosing and receiving gastric-bypass surgery August noted that she hoped normal-weight people would not judge obese people as individuals simply lacking willpower. Throughout her life, August suffered stress related to her obesity, and despite her gastric-bypass surgery she still suffers mental and emotional stress about others suffering from obesity. It appears that August will struggle with lifelong issues related to her weight problems.