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🎯 Main Points

Weight Control and Diet

PSY408 - Health Psychology

🔑 Key Definitions

BMI (Body Mass Index): Weight-to-height ratio measuring body fatness
Obesity: Excess body fat (BMI ≥ 30)
Overweight: Above healthy weight (BMI 25-29.9)
Waist Circumference: Abdominal fat measurement for health risk

🧠 BMI Categories

  • Underweight: BMI < 18.5
  • Healthy/Normal: BMI 18.5 - 24.9
  • Overweight: BMI 25 - 29.9
  • Obese: BMI ≥ 30

📊 Waist Circumference Risk

  • Women at risk: >35 inches (88 cm)
  • Men at risk: >40 inches (102 cm)

🛠 Seven Health Risks of Obesity

  1. Type 2 Diabetes
  2. Heart Disease & Stroke
  3. Cancer
  4. Sleep Apnea
  5. Osteoarthritis
  6. Gallbladder Disease
  7. Fatty Liver Disease

👍 Effective Weight Loss Approach

  • Combine healthy eating + regular exercise
  • Lose ½ to 2 pounds per week (gradual)
  • Create modest calorie deficit
  • Focus on lifestyle change, not "dieting"

💡 Exam Tips

  • BMI ranges: <18.5 under, 18.5-24.9 healthy, 25-29.9 over, 30+ obese
  • Waist: Women >35", Men >40" = at risk
  • Diet ALONE doesn't work - need exercise too
  • Obesity linked to 7 major health risks
  • Slow, steady weight loss (½-2 lbs/week) is most sustainable