BPK 140

• Obesity


  A prevalent issue globally, influenced by various factors such as diet, physical activity levels, genetics, and environmental factors
• Proper weight management


  Fostering a healthy relationship with food and physical activity, addressing psychological factors, and avoiding short-term solutions like fad diets
• Body Mass Index (BMI)

  A widely used measure for assessing weight status, but it has limitations as it does not consider body composition or weight distribution
• Despite its limitations, BMI provides a convenient and accessible way to estimate weight status
• Obesity rates in Canada

  Have increased significantly over the past few decades, with a large proportion of adults and children being overweight or obese
• Indigenous populations in Canada are particularly affected by obesity, highlighting the importance of addressing socio-economic and cultural factors
• Risks of excess body fat

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Diabetes
  • Certain cancers
  • Impaired immune function
  • Psychological disorders
• Both excess body fat and very low body weight can pose health risks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy weight range
• Essential fat


  Necessary for bodily functions and is not associated with health risks
• Non-essential fat, particularly visceral fat


  Can increase health risks
• Factors influencing obesity


  • Physical activity levels
  • Environmental factors
  • Genetics
  • Socio-economic status
  • Psychological factors
• An obesogenic environment characterized by easy access to high-calorie foods and sedentary lifestyles contributes to rising obesity rates
• Ideal weight


  Should be determined based on overall health and lifestyle factors rather than a specific number on the scale
• Dieting culture often emphasizes short-term solutions and restrictive eating habits, which are rarely effective in the long term and can contribute to negative body image and disordered eating
• Sound weight control


  Adopting sensible dietary habits, changing eating behaviours, addressing psychological factors, and engaging in regular physical activity
• Calorie tracking, portion control, and mindful eating


  Can help promote healthier eating habits and support weight management efforts
• Eating disorders


  Serious mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy eating patterns, distorted body image, and intense fear of weight gain
• Treatment for eating disorders involves addressing both the behavioural and psychological aspects of the disorder, often through a combination of therapy, nutritional counselling, and medication
• Mental health affects a significant portion of the global population, with 450 million individuals affected worldwide
• One in four individuals will experience a mental disorder during their lifetime, highlighting the importance of recognizing symptoms without stigma
• Prioritizing mental wellness is as crucial as physical wellness, emphasizing the promotion of positive psychology to mitigate the risk of mental health issues
• Mental wellness


  Encompasses emotional and psychological health, including feelings, moods, and thoughts
• Mental disorders


  Involve persistent disturbances in behavior, thoughts, or emotions that cause significant distress or impairment
• Historically, mental disorders were often attributed to supernatural forces, but modern views recognize biological and environmental factors as contributing causes
• Stigmas surrounding mental illness persist despite medical advancements and increased awareness
• Mental health issues affect a significant portion of Canadians, with one in five individuals experiencing them during their lifetime
• Despite the prevalence, many people do not seek professional help for anxiety or depression, indicating a need for increased awareness and accessibility of mental health services
• Common mental health disorders in Canada

  • Anxiety and phobic disorders
  • Panic disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Depressive and bipolar disorders
  • Psychotic disorders like schizophrenia
  • Suicide
• Anxiety disorders


  Characterized by chronic worry or obsessive-compulsive behaviors and are treated with therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications
• Depressive disorders


  Involve symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness, changes in sleep or appetite, and are treated with antidepressants and psychotherapy
• Bipolar disorder


  Manifests as periods of depression followed by mania and is managed with mood stabilizers and therapy
• Psychotic disorders like schizophrenia

  Involve disturbances in thought, emotion, and behavior and are treated with antipsychotic medications and therapy
• Therapists


  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • Social workers
  • Counselors
• Therapeutics for mental disorders

  Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and stimulants, often used in conjunction with behavioral and cognitive therapies like CBT
• Suicide is a significant concern, particularly among young adults, with Canada's suicide rate being the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-34
• Strategies for supporting individuals at risk of suicide

  Active listening, showing care and love, asking direct questions, and ensuring they have access to mental health resources
• Stress


  Any situation that disrupts homeostasis and can have physiological, psychological, or environmental causes
• Eustress and distress


  Both positive and negative stressors impact health and performance
• Effective stress management strategies


  Developing a support system, improving communication skills, adopting healthy habits, practicing coping techniques, and building resilience
• Adequate sleep is crucial for physical and mental health, with most adults needing 7-9 hours of sleep per night