Obesity Pp

Copyright © 2006 PE Resources LimiteCopyright © 2006 PE Resources Limitedd

Obesity as an issueObesity as an issue


Starter ActivitiesStarter Activities

Write down on a piece of paper how you Write down on a piece of paper how you would define obesity.would define obesity.

Have a class discussion on the definitions Have a class discussion on the definitions that arise.that arise.

Brainstorm on the board the opinion of the Brainstorm on the board the opinion of the class on what are the causes of obesity.class on what are the causes of obesity.


Links to look at for obesityLinks to look at for obesityhttp://www.newhealth.govt.nz/toolkits/obesity/Obesity0102.pdfhttp://www.newhealth.govt.nz/toolkits/obesity/Obesity0102.pdf

http://www.nhf.org.nz/news.asp?pageID=2145820705&RefID=2141730860http://www.nhf.org.nz/news.asp?pageID=2145820705&RefID=2141730860

http://www.library.auckland.ac.nz/subjects/med/healthcare/in_the_news/december04_obesity.htmhttp://www.library.auckland.ac.nz/subjects/med/healthcare/in_the_news/december04_obesity.htm

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/About-Obesityhttp://www.newhealth.govt.nz/toolkits/obesity/context.htm

http://www.wpro.who.int/NR/rdonlyres/2E903651-E2D2-4E15-B928-A135B653A9D3/0/nez.pdfhttp://socialreport.msd.govt.nz/health/obesity.html

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/0/5ce9769d2910b7c8cc256f62001009ff?OpenDocument

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=17723

http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/116-1179/534/content.pdf


Both sidesBoth sides

We will explore causal factors for obesity We will explore causal factors for obesity and how Society impacts upon this issue and how Society impacts upon this issue as well as looking critically at whether as well as looking critically at whether there is actually an obesity problem in there is actually an obesity problem in New Zealand society. An important part of New Zealand society. An important part of this is recognising “hegemony” in actionthis is recognising “hegemony” in action


HegemonyHegemony

The ideas and The ideas and messages that are messages that are put out through the put out through the media and media and expectations across expectations across society have an society have an impact of causing impact of causing hegemony to occur.hegemony to occur.


HegemonyHegemony

HegemonyHegemony is the dominance of one group is the dominance of one group over other groups, with or without the over other groups, with or without the threat of force, to the extent that, for threat of force, to the extent that, for instance, the dominant party can dictate instance, the dominant party can dictate the terms of trade to its advantage; more the terms of trade to its advantage; more broadly, cultural perspectives become broadly, cultural perspectives become skewed to favor the dominant group. skewed to favor the dominant group. Hegemony controls the ways that ideas Hegemony controls the ways that ideas become "naturalized" in a process that become "naturalized" in a process that informs notions of common sense.informs notions of common sense.


HegemonyHegemony

In the case of the In the case of the obesity issue this obesity issue this involves western involves western society dictating body society dictating body ideals and judgement ideals and judgement of those that do not of those that do not conform.conform.


CONTENTSCONTENTS

Defining obesityDefining obesityMeasuring obesityMeasuring obesityImpacts of obesityImpacts of obesityCauses of obesityCauses of obesityLet’s get critical-on the obesity issueLet’s get critical-on the obesity issueS.P.E.E.C.H influence on this issueS.P.E.E.C.H influence on this issueInitiatives, ideas ways forwardInitiatives, ideas ways forwardImpact on SocietyImpact on Society



Defining obesity.Defining obesity.

fleshiness: more than average fatness fleshiness: more than average fatness wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn Pertaining to excessive weight or adipose tissuePertaining to excessive weight or adipose tissuewww.mmpc.com/serv/cfhe/resources/glossary.htwww.mmpc.com/serv/cfhe/resources/glossary.htm m Obesity occurs when a person has too much Obesity occurs when a person has too much body fat. Obesity is not the same as being body fat. Obesity is not the same as being overweight; a person is considered obese when overweight; a person is considered obese when they weigh 20% or more of the maximum they weigh 20% or more of the maximum desirable weight for their height.desirable weight for their height.sportsmedicine.about.com/library/glossary/blglossportsmedicine.about.com/library/glossary/blglossaryO.htm saryO.htm


Defining ObesityDefining Obesity

Excess of body fat that is 20 percent or more Excess of body fat that is 20 percent or more over a person's ideal weight. Obesity strains the over a person's ideal weight. Obesity strains the cardiovascular system and increases the risk of cardiovascular system and increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and elevated lipid levels.diabetes, hypertension, and elevated lipid levels.www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/glossarwww.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/glossary/o.asp y/o.asp

overweight by 30 percent of the ideal body overweight by 30 percent of the ideal body weight.weight.www.rch.org.au/ceed/disorders.cfm www.rch.org.au/ceed/disorders.cfm


Defining ObesityDefining Obesity

““ObesityObesity is a condition in which the natural is a condition in which the natural energy reserve, stored in the fatty tissue of energy reserve, stored in the fatty tissue of humans and mammals is increased to a point humans and mammals is increased to a point where it is thought to be a significant risk factor where it is thought to be a significant risk factor in certain health conditions, leading to increased in certain health conditions, leading to increased mortality. Obesity is relatively rare among mortality. Obesity is relatively rare among animals in the wild, but it is common in domestic animals in the wild, but it is common in domestic animals (who may be overfed and under animals (who may be overfed and under exercised), and increasingly in humans”. exercised), and increasingly in humans”. Wikipedia® (2006)Wikipedia® (2006)



Measuring obesityMeasuring obesity

There are a number of ways that obesity is There are a number of ways that obesity is measured many of these can be critiqued measured many of these can be critiqued for being innacurate.for being innacurate.

In epidemiological (health and illness) In epidemiological (health and illness) studies BMI alone is used to define studies BMI alone is used to define obesity. obesity.


BMIBMI

BMI was developed by the Belgian BMI was developed by the Belgian statistician and anthropometrist Adolphe statistician and anthropometrist Adolphe Quetelet[1]. It is calculated by dividing the Quetelet[1]. It is calculated by dividing the subject's weight in kilograms by the square subject's weight in kilograms by the square of his/her height in meters (of his/her height in meters (BMIBMI = = WW / / hh2). 2). For example, a person who weighs 75 For example, a person who weighs 75 kilograms and stands 1.8 meters tall would kilograms and stands 1.8 meters tall would have a BMI of 75/(1.82)=23.148. The have a BMI of 75/(1.82)=23.148. The number 23.148 is then compared to a number 23.148 is then compared to a table of definitions. Wikipedia® (2006)table of definitions. Wikipedia® (2006)


BMIBMI

A BMI below 18.5 is characterized as A BMI below 18.5 is characterized as underweightunderweight

A BMI of 18.5 - 24.999 is characterized as A BMI of 18.5 - 24.999 is characterized as normal weightnormal weight

A BMI of 25.0 - 29.999 is characterized as A BMI of 25.0 - 29.999 is characterized as overweightoverweight or or pre-obesepre-obese

A BMI of 30.0 - 39.999 is characterized as A BMI of 30.0 - 39.999 is characterized as obeseobese

A BMI of 40.0 or higher is characterized as A BMI of 40.0 or higher is characterized as severely (or morbidly) obese.severely (or morbidly) obese. Wikipedia® (2006) Wikipedia® (2006)


Waist circumferenceWaist circumference

BMI does not take into account differing ratios of adipose BMI does not take into account differing ratios of adipose to lean tissue; nor does it distinguish between differing to lean tissue; nor does it distinguish between differing forms of adiposity, some of which may correlate more forms of adiposity, some of which may correlate more closely with cardiovascular risk. Increasing closely with cardiovascular risk. Increasing understanding of the biology of different forms of adipose understanding of the biology of different forms of adipose tissue has shown that tissue has shown that visceralvisceral or or central obesitycentral obesity (male- (male-type or apple-type obesity) has a much stronger type or apple-type obesity) has a much stronger correlation, particularly with cardiovascular disease, than correlation, particularly with cardiovascular disease, than the BMI alone[3].the BMI alone[3].The absolute waist circumference (>102 cm in men and The absolute waist circumference (>102 cm in men and >88 cm in women) or waist-hip ratio (>0.9 for men and >88 cm in women) or waist-hip ratio (>0.9 for men and >0.85 for women)[3] are both used as measures of >0.85 for women)[3] are both used as measures of central obesity. Wikipedia® (2006)central obesity. Wikipedia® (2006)


Body fat measurementBody fat measurement

An alternative way to determine obesity is to assess An alternative way to determine obesity is to assess percent body fat. Doctors and scientists generally agree percent body fat. Doctors and scientists generally agree that men with more than 25% body fat and women with that men with more than 25% body fat and women with more than 30% body fat are obese. However, it is more than 30% body fat are obese. However, it is difficult to measure body fat precisely. The most difficult to measure body fat precisely. The most accepted method has been to weigh a person accepted method has been to weigh a person underwater, but underwater weighing is a procedure underwater, but underwater weighing is a procedure limited to laboratories with special equipment. Two limited to laboratories with special equipment. Two simpler methods for measuring body fat are the simpler methods for measuring body fat are the skinfold skinfold testtest, in which a pinch of skin is precisely measured to , in which a pinch of skin is precisely measured to determine the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer; or determine the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer; or bioelectrical impedance analysis, usually only carried out bioelectrical impedance analysis, usually only carried out at specialist clinics. Wikipedia® (2006)at specialist clinics. Wikipedia® (2006)


Health ImpactsHealth Impacts

Excessive body weight has been shown to Excessive body weight has been shown to correlate with various important diseases, correlate with various important diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease, diabetes particularly cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. It mellitus type 2, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. It is also considered a risk factor for certain is also considered a risk factor for certain cancers. Interventions, such as diet and cancers. Interventions, such as diet and exercise as well as medication and weight-loss exercise as well as medication and weight-loss surgery (in severe cases) are frequently surgery (in severe cases) are frequently recommended to reduce the risk of developing recommended to reduce the risk of developing disease. Wikipedia® (2006)disease. Wikipedia® (2006)


Factors that have been suggested to contribute to Factors that have been suggested to contribute to the development of obesity include:the development of obesity include:

Sedentary lifestyle Sedentary lifestyle A high glycemic diet (i.e. a diet that consists of meals that give high A high glycemic diet (i.e. a diet that consists of meals that give high postprandial blood sugar) postprandial blood sugar) Weight cycling, caused by repeated attempts to lose weight by Weight cycling, caused by repeated attempts to lose weight by dieting dieting Underlying illness (e.g. hypothyroidism) Underlying illness (e.g. hypothyroidism) Genetic disorders (e.g. Prader-Willi syndrome) Genetic disorders (e.g. Prader-Willi syndrome) Eating disorders (such as binge eating disorder) Eating disorders (such as binge eating disorder) Stressful mentality Stressful mentality Insufficient sleep Insufficient sleep Psychotropic medications Psychotropic medications Smoking cessation Smoking cessation Genetic factors Wikipedia® (2006)Genetic factors Wikipedia® (2006)


Technology/workTechnology/work

The The changing workforcechanging workforce as each year a as each year a greater percent of the population spends greater percent of the population spends their entire workday behind a desk or their entire workday behind a desk or computer, seeing virtually no exercise. In computer, seeing virtually no exercise. In the kitchen the microwave oven has seen the kitchen the microwave oven has seen sales of calorie-dense frozen convenience sales of calorie-dense frozen convenience foods skyrocket and has encouraged more foods skyrocket and has encouraged more elaborate snacking. elaborate snacking.


Society/EnvironmentSociety/Environment

A social cause that is believed by many to play a A social cause that is believed by many to play a role is the increasing number of role is the increasing number of two income two income householdshouseholds in which one parent no longer in which one parent no longer remains home to look after the house. This remains home to look after the house. This increases the number of restaurant and take-out increases the number of restaurant and take-out meals. meals.

Urban sprawlUrban sprawl may be a factor: obesity rates may be a factor: obesity rates increase as urban sprawl increases, possibly increase as urban sprawl increases, possibly due to less walking and less time for cooking. due to less walking and less time for cooking.


ChangesChanges

Since 1980 both sit-in and Since 1980 both sit-in and fast food fast food restaurantsrestaurants have seen dramatic growth in have seen dramatic growth in terms of the number of outlets and terms of the number of outlets and customers served. Low food costs, and customers served. Low food costs, and intense competition for market share, led intense competition for market share, led to increased portion sizes — for example, to increased portion sizes — for example, McDonalds french fries portions rose from McDonalds french fries portions rose from 200 Calories (840 kilojoules) in 1960 to 200 Calories (840 kilojoules) in 1960 to over 600 Calories (2,500 kJ) today. over 600 Calories (2,500 kJ) today.


AgeAge

An aging population may also be a major An aging population may also be a major factor, as the likelihood of becoming obese factor, as the likelihood of becoming obese increases with age. Beyond their twenties, increases with age. Beyond their twenties, the older a person becomes the slower the older a person becomes the slower their metabolism becomes, reducing the their metabolism becomes, reducing the amount of calories required to sustain the amount of calories required to sustain the body, thus if a person does not reduce body, thus if a person does not reduce their intake of food with age, they will their intake of food with age, they will become obese over time. Wikipedia® become obese over time. Wikipedia® (2006)(2006)


AgeAge

As the average age of individuals within a As the average age of individuals within a society increases, the rate of obesity also society increases, the rate of obesity also increases. This situation is exacerbated by increases. This situation is exacerbated by the baby boom generation, which the baby boom generation, which represents a disproportionately large represents a disproportionately large portion of the population in many countries portion of the population in many countries and is currently nearing the latter end of and is currently nearing the latter end of the typical lifespan in affluent nations, and the typical lifespan in affluent nations, and therefore is in the high-risk zone for therefore is in the high-risk zone for obesity. Wikipedia® (2006)obesity. Wikipedia® (2006)


Evolutionary aspects-Darwinian Evolutionary aspects-Darwinian fat theory.fat theory.

Although there is no definitive explanation for the Although there is no definitive explanation for the recent increase of obesity, the thrifty gene recent increase of obesity, the thrifty gene hypothesis provides some understanding of this hypothesis provides some understanding of this phenomenon. In times when food was scarce, phenomenon. In times when food was scarce, the ability to take advantage of rare periods of the ability to take advantage of rare periods of abundance and use such abundance by storing abundance and use such abundance by storing energy efficiently was undoubtedly an energy efficiently was undoubtedly an evolutionary advantage. Individuals with greater evolutionary advantage. Individuals with greater adipose reserves were more likely to survive adipose reserves were more likely to survive famine. Wikipedia® (2006)famine. Wikipedia® (2006)


Evolutionary aspects-Darwinian Evolutionary aspects-Darwinian fat theoryfat theory

This tendency to store fat is likely maladaptive in This tendency to store fat is likely maladaptive in a society with adequate and stable food a society with adequate and stable food supplies. Although many people likely have a supplies. Although many people likely have a genetic propensity towards obesity, in most genetic propensity towards obesity, in most cases this propensity requires the modern cases this propensity requires the modern environment with increased caloric availability environment with increased caloric availability and decreased requirements for physical labor in and decreased requirements for physical labor in order to be expressed fully.order to be expressed fully.

Wikipedia® (2006)Wikipedia® (2006)



Critical thinking Critical thinking

In critical examination, we must look at the other side In critical examination, we must look at the other side and question what we are being told and why we are and question what we are being told and why we are being told it?being told it?Who has hidden agendas and want us believing that Who has hidden agendas and want us believing that there is an epidemic?there is an epidemic?

We will look at a variety of critical concepts and research to We will look at a variety of critical concepts and research to contradict obesity as an issue in New Zealand society.contradict obesity as an issue in New Zealand society.

We will also look at S.P.E.E.C.H and how this influences We will also look at S.P.E.E.C.H and how this influences the issue.the issue.

..


Problems with BMIProblems with BMI

As stated previously BMI is most accurate As stated previously BMI is most accurate for people who live a sedentary lifestyle. It for people who live a sedentary lifestyle. It however cannot distinguish between however cannot distinguish between weight from body fat, muscle mass, or weight from body fat, muscle mass, or bone mass, so it is inaccurate for example bone mass, so it is inaccurate for example in athletes, children or the elderly. in athletes, children or the elderly.



Because muscle is more dense than fat, most amateur Because muscle is more dense than fat, most amateur athletes would be classified as "overweight" and most athletes would be classified as "overweight" and most professionalprofessional athletes have enough muscle mass to be athletes have enough muscle mass to be classified as "obese" or even "severely obese", when in classified as "obese" or even "severely obese", when in fact their body fat percentage is very low and they are in fact their body fat percentage is very low and they are in no danger of developing any health problems correlative no danger of developing any health problems correlative to carriage of excess fat. Children, meanwhile, have to carriage of excess fat. Children, meanwhile, have higher bone density in the years before puberty because higher bone density in the years before puberty because of their smaller size, and that also results in skewed BMI of their smaller size, and that also results in skewed BMI values. In the case of elderly people, muscular atrophy values. In the case of elderly people, muscular atrophy and/or osteoporosis can also decrease the value of a and/or osteoporosis can also decrease the value of a BMI calculation.BMI calculation.

Wikipedia® (2006)Wikipedia® (2006)



BMI as an issue.BMI as an issue.Population measures of obesity using BMI do Population measures of obesity using BMI do not accurately represent most of the populations not accurately represent most of the populations studied. (Bruce Ross 2005)studied. (Bruce Ross 2005)All of the All Blacks are either overweight or All of the All Blacks are either overweight or obese on the BMI measuring process.obese on the BMI measuring process.(BMI = weight in kilograms divided by height in (BMI = weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared, or kg/m2, so if, for example, metres squared, or kg/m2, so if, for example, you are 1.70m and weigh 70kg, your BMI will be you are 1.70m and weigh 70kg, your BMI will be 24). 24).


How could this be changed?How could this be changed?

There is the additional problem of sex There is the additional problem of sex differences between men and women. White differences between men and women. White and East Asian women tend to have less muscle and East Asian women tend to have less muscle mass and bone density than men of the same mass and bone density than men of the same height. The same is not true of black and height. The same is not true of black and Polynesian women, however. In the future, a Polynesian women, however. In the future, a healthy BMI for a given individual may be healthy BMI for a given individual may be defined to some extent by their ethnic group, defined to some extent by their ethnic group, racial origin, or sex, but that is not the case now. racial origin, or sex, but that is not the case now. Wikipedia® (2006)Wikipedia® (2006)


More critical questionsMore critical questions

What are the target populations being What are the target populations being researched? How do we define obesity? researched? How do we define obesity? When does ‘healthy weight’ become When does ‘healthy weight’ become ‘overweight’? And when does ‘overweight’ ‘overweight’? And when does ‘overweight’ become ‘obesity’? How much adipose become ‘obesity’? How much adipose tissue do we need? How fat is obese? tissue do we need? How fat is obese? What are advantages and disadvantages What are advantages and disadvantages of being fat? Is obesity a disease? Do all of being fat? Is obesity a disease? Do all obese people have an energy intake and obese people have an energy intake and output imbalance? Etc…output imbalance? Etc…


Beyond the assumption obesity caused Beyond the assumption obesity caused from from poor diet, inactivity (energy intake/output poor diet, inactivity (energy intake/output

imbalance)imbalance) Fatness can be genetic, seasonal, hormonal, Fatness can be genetic, seasonal, hormonal, due to metabolic changes, due to childbearing, due to metabolic changes, due to childbearing, age medication, medical conditions (not just age medication, medical conditions (not just poor eating habits).poor eating habits).

Other impacts on obesity could include, Other impacts on obesity could include, technology, BMI measuring (validity), fast technology, BMI measuring (validity), fast food/convenience food, less PE, Darwinian fat food/convenience food, less PE, Darwinian fat theories (evolution/natural selection), family theories (evolution/natural selection), family values, changing work over time, socioeconomic values, changing work over time, socioeconomic status, feminism and obesity etc..status, feminism and obesity etc..


Dieting a vicious circle.Dieting a vicious circle. Dieting causes obesity-“Since the 1960’s dieting has Dieting causes obesity-“Since the 1960’s dieting has

become a way of life for Australians-and dieting makes become a way of life for Australians-and dieting makes you fat, there’s no doubt about it. Research shows that 98 you fat, there’s no doubt about it. Research shows that 98 percent of the weight lost on weight loss diets is put back percent of the weight lost on weight loss diets is put back within a short space of time and a significant number of within a short space of time and a significant number of people gain more weight than they lose. So they end up people gain more weight than they lose. So they end up larger than they were before. Many people begin dieting in larger than they were before. Many people begin dieting in childhood and adolescence and this disrupts their childhood and adolescence and this disrupts their metabolism, making it harder for them to maintain a metabolism, making it harder for them to maintain a healthy weight in the long term. Decades down the track healthy weight in the long term. Decades down the track we are still being fooled by the diet industry because it we are still being fooled by the diet industry because it continues to hold out false hope. It is only natural that continues to hold out false hope. It is only natural that people who are ostracized continue to hope for ways of people who are ostracized continue to hope for ways of becoming acceptable, but what should be changing are becoming acceptable, but what should be changing are the shame-inducing, shameful attitudes against fat people the shame-inducing, shameful attitudes against fat people in our society.” Dr Naomi Crafti 2003.in our society.” Dr Naomi Crafti 2003.


StatisticsStatistics

In 2000, the World Health Organisation In 2000, the World Health Organisation issued a report on childhood obesity in issued a report on childhood obesity in which it stated. “The global prevalence of which it stated. “The global prevalence of overweight is 3.3 percent” New Zealand overweight is 3.3 percent” New Zealand didn’t take part. Interestingly the highest didn’t take part. Interestingly the highest was not USA, UK or Australia. It was was not USA, UK or Australia. It was Uzbekistan and countries such as Egypt, Uzbekistan and countries such as Egypt, Argentina, Chili etc who have high Argentina, Chili etc who have high numbers of malnourished kids. This links numbers of malnourished kids. This links back with the dieting makes you fat theory.back with the dieting makes you fat theory.


Obese=unhealthy?Obese=unhealthy?

“‘“‘Our kids are obese!’ Our kids are obese!’ shriek the headlines” but shriek the headlines” but very carefully fail to very carefully fail to mention that although this mention that although this may be the case, it does may be the case, it does not follow that those not follow that those children are necessarily children are necessarily unhealthy. Lynda Finn unhealthy. Lynda Finn 2004 (Healthy Kids 2004 (Healthy Kids Happy Kids).Happy Kids).



'We're spending all this time telling them to 'We're spending all this time telling them to exercise more and lose weight when it's exercise more and lose weight when it's doubtful if dropping your weight from a doubtful if dropping your weight from a Body Mass Index of 31 to 28 will help you Body Mass Index of 31 to 28 will help you live longer. Nobody has ever proved that it live longer. Nobody has ever proved that it will.'will.'Gard, M. & Wright, J. (2004).



Many health problems blamed on obesity are Many health problems blamed on obesity are actually caused by low quality food and actually caused by low quality food and inactivity, not fatness itself. Lynda Finn 2004 inactivity, not fatness itself. Lynda Finn 2004 (Healthy Kids Happy Kids).(Healthy Kids Happy Kids).

Most poor health can be traced to four main Most poor health can be traced to four main factors: genetics, a diet low in fresh foods, lack factors: genetics, a diet low in fresh foods, lack of activity and stress. This is not just true for big of activity and stress. This is not just true for big people, it is true for everyone. Lynda Finn 2004 people, it is true for everyone. Lynda Finn 2004 (Healthy Kids Happy Kids).(Healthy Kids Happy Kids).


Culture/mediaCulture/media

It matters not to vulnerable adolescents that in It matters not to vulnerable adolescents that in many of the world’s cultures and to quite a many of the world’s cultures and to quite a number of people within our own, being bigger is number of people within our own, being bigger is seen as gorgeous. Lynda Finn 2004 (Healthy seen as gorgeous. Lynda Finn 2004 (Healthy Kids Happy Kids).Kids Happy Kids).

It’s estimated that over the past year, well over It’s estimated that over the past year, well over 2000 separate articles, stories and programmes 2000 separate articles, stories and programmes relating to obesity have appeared in the New relating to obesity have appeared in the New Zealand media. No other subject, not even Zealand media. No other subject, not even crime, receives such blanket coverage.crime, receives such blanket coverage.


EconomicsEconomics

It is well known that big It is well known that big corporations, including corporations, including diet and pharmaceutical diet and pharmaceutical industries, have for many industries, have for many years employed years employed psychologists and public psychologists and public relations companies to relations companies to manipulate us and flood manipulate us and flood the market with scare the market with scare stories in order to boost stories in order to boost sales. Lynda Finn 2004 sales. Lynda Finn 2004 (Healthy Kids Happy (Healthy Kids Happy Kids).Kids).


EconomicsEconomics

Media and money-There has always been a Media and money-There has always been a great deal of money to be made out of fat and fat great deal of money to be made out of fat and fat scares. Magazines carrying diet advice sell far scares. Magazines carrying diet advice sell far better than those which offer a more better than those which offer a more intellectually stimulating content. Diet weight loss intellectually stimulating content. Diet weight loss and lifestyle books are nearly always best and lifestyle books are nearly always best sellers, taking advantage of our fears and sellers, taking advantage of our fears and doubts which were put there in the first place by doubts which were put there in the first place by the publicity. Lynda Finn 2004 (Healthy Kids the publicity. Lynda Finn 2004 (Healthy Kids Happy Kids).Happy Kids).


HealthismHealthism

Many of the thoughts on obesity and how Many of the thoughts on obesity and how to counteract it involve the beliefs held in to counteract it involve the beliefs held in “Healthism”. They believe that it is just a “Healthism”. They believe that it is just a energy intake/output issue and that an energy intake/output issue and that an individual has total control over this.individual has total control over this.


HealthismHealthism

Healthism is a set of Healthism is a set of assumptions based on assumptions based on the belief that health is the belief that health is solely an individual solely an individual responsibility. It includes responsibility. It includes the concept of the body the concept of the body as a machine that is as a machine that is influenced only by influenced only by physical factors. physical factors. (Health and Physical (Health and Physical Education. The curriculum in Education. The curriculum in action. Making meaning: action. Making meaning: Making a difference. (2004)Making a difference. (2004)


HealthismHealthism

'Healthism' means 'Healthism' means that personal health that personal health was essentially was essentially conceived as the conceived as the responsibility of the responsibility of the individual and the individual and the choices made by the choices made by the individual about individual about personal lifestyle. personal lifestyle. http://www.deakin.edu.au/education/crt-pe/thttp://www.deakin.edu.au/education/crt-pe/teaching/individual.htmeaching/individual.htm


HealthismHealthism

Healthism fails to recognise, or give due Healthism fails to recognise, or give due attention to, the social and environmental attention to, the social and environmental influences on personal health. Moreover, influences on personal health. Moreover, healthism creates the conditions for 'victim healthism creates the conditions for 'victim blaming' and guilt with respect to individual blaming' and guilt with respect to individual health 'problems'. For Physical Education, health 'problems'. For Physical Education, healthism focuses on the supposed link healthism focuses on the supposed link between physical activity and health. between physical activity and health. http://www.deakin.edu.au/education/crt-pe/teaching/individual.htmhttp://www.deakin.edu.au/education/crt-pe/teaching/individual.htm


StatisticsStatistics

It’s true that a higher percentage of people are It’s true that a higher percentage of people are larger and heavier these days but according to larger and heavier these days but according to the Department of Statistics life tables, we are the Department of Statistics life tables, we are also taller and despite extra weight living longer.also taller and despite extra weight living longer.

Type 2 diabetes among younger, bigger people Type 2 diabetes among younger, bigger people is on the increase. However, it is also increasing is on the increase. However, it is also increasing among thinner children. Lynda Finn 2004 among thinner children. Lynda Finn 2004 (Healthy Kids Happy Kids).(Healthy Kids Happy Kids).


Critical quotesCritical quotes

There are for instance 245 separate risk factors There are for instance 245 separate risk factors associated with heart disease and to isolate just associated with heart disease and to isolate just one, obesity, is ludicrous. Professor Glenn one, obesity, is ludicrous. Professor Glenn Gaesser 1996.(Big fat lies)Gaesser 1996.(Big fat lies)

Young people by the million now suffer from Young people by the million now suffer from anorexia and bulimia which while labeled eating anorexia and bulimia which while labeled eating disorders are actually mental illnesses with the disorders are actually mental illnesses with the lowest recovery and the highest death rate of lowest recovery and the highest death rate of any of the psychological problems. Lynda Finn any of the psychological problems. Lynda Finn 2004 (Healthy Kids Happy Kids).2004 (Healthy Kids Happy Kids).


Obesity and societyObesity and society

The term obese comes from the Latin The term obese comes from the Latin obedere ‘to eat up’, ‘to devour’ and so obedere ‘to eat up’, ‘to devour’ and so carries the implication that fat people over carries the implication that fat people over indulge eat to much and are greedy. indulge eat to much and are greedy. Consequently identifying someone as Consequently identifying someone as ‘obese’ is judging their behavior as well as ‘obese’ is judging their behavior as well as their apparent physical state.their apparent physical state.

(Bruce Ross 2005.)(Bruce Ross 2005.)


Disease?Disease?

This book questions the classification of This book questions the classification of obesity as a disease. Many fat people live obesity as a disease. Many fat people live healthy, active productive lives and live healthy, active productive lives and live beyond the lifespan of many thin people beyond the lifespan of many thin people so it seems a nonsense to say that fatness so it seems a nonsense to say that fatness is a disease.is a disease.

(Burstyn 1990)(Burstyn 1990)



S.P.E.E.C.HS.P.E.E.C.H

We are going to use We are going to use SPEECH to look at SPEECH to look at the issue and impacts the issue and impacts upon obesity as well upon obesity as well as the impact this as the impact this issue has in turn on issue has in turn on society.society.


Brainstorm S.P.E.E.C.H effects as we Brainstorm S.P.E.E.C.H effects as we work through the presentation.work through the presentation.

Environment

Economic

Culture

Society Politics

History


SocietySociety

Societal expectations delivered through Societal expectations delivered through the media, body image expectations, the media, body image expectations, conflict of gender roles, media generated conflict of gender roles, media generated stereotypes, attitudes of socio-economic stereotypes, attitudes of socio-economic groups, ethnicity, unemployment, attitudes groups, ethnicity, unemployment, attitudes of children, attitudes of adolescents, of children, attitudes of adolescents, attitudes of adults, attitudes of the aged, attitudes of adults, attitudes of the aged, attitudes of woman, gender role attitudes of woman, gender role stereotyping..stereotyping..


Society: Dieting etc…Society: Dieting etc…

According to the government survey that promoted the According to the government survey that promoted the summit, body-image issues are the main concern of summit, body-image issues are the main concern of adolescent girls, far out weighing their preoccupation adolescent girls, far out weighing their preoccupation with education, boyfriends, parental divorce, health and with education, boyfriends, parental divorce, health and their future. Lynda Finn.2004their future. Lynda Finn.2004Model body types represent approx 5% of the Model body types represent approx 5% of the population.population.Most of the female movie stars currently seen as role Most of the female movie stars currently seen as role models by our children are between 23 and 30 percent models by our children are between 23 and 30 percent under normal weight. Lynda Finn.2004under normal weight. Lynda Finn.2004In 1970 the average age to begin dieting was 15, by In 1970 the average age to begin dieting was 15, by 1990 it had dropped to 8 years, now 3-year-olds are 1990 it had dropped to 8 years, now 3-year-olds are diagnosed with food phobias and weight issues.diagnosed with food phobias and weight issues.


Society: Dieting etc…Society: Dieting etc…

Professor Paula Levine, director of Anorexia and Professor Paula Levine, director of Anorexia and Bulimia resource Center in coral Gables, Florida Bulimia resource Center in coral Gables, Florida says: Children particularly girls, start to equate says: Children particularly girls, start to equate attractiveness with thinness when they are still at attractiveness with thinness when they are still at pre-school. They are indoctrinated with the belief pre-school. They are indoctrinated with the belief that thin is in, especially if you are female. that thin is in, especially if you are female. Beside being bombarded with media messages Beside being bombarded with media messages that thinness is an optimal state, girls also get that thinness is an optimal state, girls also get influential messages at home. Young mothers influential messages at home. Young mothers today are now the second or third generation of today are now the second or third generation of weight watching women and their children hear weight watching women and their children hear a lot of diet talk “I can’t eat that” or “It’s too a lot of diet talk “I can’t eat that” or “It’s too fattening.”fattening.”


PoliticsPolitics

Hidden agenda of government, ministries etc... Hidden agenda of government, ministries etc... To promote physical activity due to cost of To promote physical activity due to cost of inactivity to the government. Therefore inactivity to the government. Therefore messages sent out about the apparent “obesity messages sent out about the apparent “obesity epidemic”epidemic”Look at the sites on the first pg of this Look at the sites on the first pg of this powerpoint for government initiatives.powerpoint for government initiatives. A 1997 paper reporting six top obesity-related A 1997 paper reporting six top obesity-related conditions estimated total health care costs of conditions estimated total health care costs of $135 million for one year.$135 million for one year.Read carry that weight for more political ideas.Read carry that weight for more political ideas.


Political initiatives.Political initiatives.


PoliticsPolitics

'We have entered a period of history 'We have entered a period of history where it is okay for governments and where it is okay for governments and medical institutions to presume to give medical institutions to presume to give advice about very intimate things in our advice about very intimate things in our lives. It's always been around, but today it lives. It's always been around, but today it is connected with this whole self-help age is connected with this whole self-help age that we live in, where everybody has that we live in, where everybody has advice for how we should live.'advice for how we should live.'

Gard, M. & Wright, J. (2004).


EconomicsEconomics

Media and money-There has always been a Media and money-There has always been a great deal of money to be made out of fat and fat great deal of money to be made out of fat and fat scares. Magazines carrying diet advice sell far scares. Magazines carrying diet advice sell far better than those which offer a more better than those which offer a more intellectually stimulating content. Diet weight loss intellectually stimulating content. Diet weight loss and lifestyle books are nearly always best and lifestyle books are nearly always best sellers, taking advantage of our fears and sellers, taking advantage of our fears and doubts which were put there in the first place by doubts which were put there in the first place by the publicity. Lynda Finn 2004 (Healthy Kids the publicity. Lynda Finn 2004 (Healthy Kids Happy Kids).Happy Kids).


EconomicEconomic

Socio-economic statusSocio-economic status

hidden agenda of fitness industry, body hidden agenda of fitness industry, body image industry, media what do they get image industry, media what do they get out of us believing there is an epidemic? out of us believing there is an epidemic?

government (see politics)government (see politics)

cost of participationcost of participation

unemployment etc…unemployment etc…


EnvironmentEnvironment

Access to facilities, Access to facilities, nature vs. nurture nature vs. nurture (genetics/body type’s (genetics/body type’s suitability to types of suitability to types of exercise), society, exercise), society, culture, safety etc…culture, safety etc…

Changing Changing environment of living, environment of living, work place etc…work place etc…


CultureCulture

Values, health expectations, types of Values, health expectations, types of exercise, holistic views, participation of exercise, holistic views, participation of females etc...females etc...

Western culture dictates that for the body Western culture dictates that for the body to be acceptable, it must be young, slim to be acceptable, it must be young, slim and muscular. Bodies that are overweight, and muscular. Bodies that are overweight, aged or ill are viewed as being aged or ill are viewed as being unacceptable and undesirable. unacceptable and undesirable.


CultureCulture

It matters not to It matters not to vulnerable vulnerable adolescents that in adolescents that in many of the world’s many of the world’s cultures and to quite a cultures and to quite a number of people number of people within our own, being within our own, being bigger is seen as bigger is seen as gorgeous. Lynda Finn gorgeous. Lynda Finn 2004 (Healthy Kids 2004 (Healthy Kids Happy Kids).Happy Kids).


CultureCulture

Not all contemporary cultures disapprove of obesity, Not all contemporary cultures disapprove of obesity, although the Western preference for thinness is although the Western preference for thinness is increasingly being exported worldwide as part of the increasingly being exported worldwide as part of the process of globalization. Few cultures have escaped the process of globalization. Few cultures have escaped the "Westernization" of body shape preference, though "Westernization" of body shape preference, though cultures which are traditionally more approving (to cultures which are traditionally more approving (to varying degrees), include some African, Arabic, Indian, varying degrees), include some African, Arabic, Indian, and Pacific Island cultures. Especially in the past and Pacific Island cultures. Especially in the past decades, obesity has come to be seen more as a decades, obesity has come to be seen more as a medical condition. There is also a small but vocal fat medical condition. There is also a small but vocal fat acceptance movement that seeks to challenge weight-acceptance movement that seeks to challenge weight-based discrimination. Wikipedia® (2006)based discrimination. Wikipedia® (2006)


CultureCulture

Various stereotypes of obese people have found Various stereotypes of obese people have found their way into expressions of popular culture. A their way into expressions of popular culture. A common stereotype is the obese character who common stereotype is the obese character who has a warm and dependable personality, has a warm and dependable personality, presumedly in compensation for social presumedly in compensation for social exclusion, but equally common is the obese exclusion, but equally common is the obese vicious bully. Gluttony and obesity are commonly vicious bully. Gluttony and obesity are commonly depicted together in works of fiction. In cartoons, depicted together in works of fiction. In cartoons, obesity is often used to comedic effect, with fat obesity is often used to comedic effect, with fat cartoon characters having to squeeze through cartoon characters having to squeeze through narrow spaces, frequently getting stuck, or even narrow spaces, frequently getting stuck, or even exploding. Wikipedia® (2006)exploding. Wikipedia® (2006)


CultureCulture

In several human cultures, obesity is associated with In several human cultures, obesity is associated with physical attractiveness, strength, and fertility. Some of physical attractiveness, strength, and fertility. Some of the earliest known cultural artifacts, known as Venus the earliest known cultural artifacts, known as Venus figurines, are pocket-sized statuettes representing an figurines, are pocket-sized statuettes representing an obese female figure. Although their cultural significance obese female figure. Although their cultural significance is unrecorded, their widespread use throughout pre-is unrecorded, their widespread use throughout pre-historic Mediterranean and European cultures suggests historic Mediterranean and European cultures suggests a central role for the obese female form in magical a central role for the obese female form in magical rituals, and suggests cultural approval of (and perhaps rituals, and suggests cultural approval of (and perhaps reverence for) this body form. This is most likely due to reverence for) this body form. This is most likely due to their ability to easily bear children and survive famine. their ability to easily bear children and survive famine. Wikipedia® (2006)Wikipedia® (2006)


HistoryHistory

Changes in what is “obese” Changes in what is “obese”

changes in BMIchanges in BMI

changing values in society changing values in society

changes in technology over time employment changes in technology over time employment changes (type, length of day etc..)changes (type, length of day etc..)

changes in incidental exercise changes in incidental exercise

access to fast foodaccess to fast food

evolution/Darwinian theories etc... evolution/Darwinian theories etc...



InitiativesInitiatives

Childhood obesity is equated with adult Childhood obesity is equated with adult obesity. Therefore children are targeted obesity. Therefore children are targeted through government and school policies. through government and school policies. This creates a contradiction with self-This creates a contradiction with self-esteem, confidence building aims in esteem, confidence building aims in education/parenting.education/parenting.Healthy Kids Happy Kids or HK2 strategy Healthy Kids Happy Kids or HK2 strategy has green hat thinking on approaching the has green hat thinking on approaching the issue of obesity.issue of obesity.



Solutions (HK2)Solutions (HK2)To give children the knowledge that they are loved and To give children the knowledge that they are loved and valued at all times and at any size.valued at all times and at any size.To offer a varied diet of good-quality, fresh foods and To offer a varied diet of good-quality, fresh foods and reduce the amount of processed and ‘fast foods’.reduce the amount of processed and ‘fast foods’.To participate in enjoyable, fun activities.To participate in enjoyable, fun activities.To promote a high level of confidence and self-esteem.To promote a high level of confidence and self-esteem.To educate children, even the very young, about the To educate children, even the very young, about the false messages and ideals promoted in society (critical false messages and ideals promoted in society (critical thinking at a young age).thinking at a young age).



Dove Campaign for real beauty is a move Dove Campaign for real beauty is a move in the right direction to work against in the right direction to work against messages we are constantly receiving.messages we are constantly receiving.


Consider this…Consider this…

Children are not a uniform or homogenous Children are not a uniform or homogenous group. Generating one-size fits all group. Generating one-size fits all solutions does not work when children are solutions does not work when children are variously located in a range of different variously located in a range of different contexts characterized by contexts characterized by differentdifferent social, social, cultural, economic and gendered cultural, economic and gendered circumstances. circumstances. Submission to the Health Select Committee on the Inquiry into Obesity and Submission to the Health Select Committee on the Inquiry into Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in New ZealandType 2 Diabetes in New Zealand

From Physical Education New ZealandFrom Physical Education New Zealand Te Ao Kori AotearoaTe Ao Kori Aotearoa ( (Lorna Gillespie – Lorna Gillespie – President, Lisette Burrows - Board member)President, Lisette Burrows - Board member)



Just telling young people what is ‘good for Just telling young people what is ‘good for them’ (e.g. right foods, or correct amounts them’ (e.g. right foods, or correct amounts of physical activity) presumes a direct of physical activity) presumes a direct relationship between knowledge – attitude relationship between knowledge – attitude change – and behaviour change – an change – and behaviour change – an unrealistic expectation. unrealistic expectation.

Submission to the Health Select Committee on the Inquiry into Obesity and Type 2 Submission to the Health Select Committee on the Inquiry into Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in New ZealandDiabetes in New Zealand




That any future obesity prevention That any future obesity prevention initiatives centre on the needs, interests initiatives centre on the needs, interests and aspirations of children and young and aspirations of children and young people themselves and are cognisant of people themselves and are cognisant of the the rangerange of meanings children and young of meanings children and young people may have for their on and others’ people may have for their on and others’ ‘health’ and ‘wellbeing’. ‘health’ and ‘wellbeing’. Submission to the Health Select Committee on the Inquiry into Obesity and Submission to the Health Select Committee on the Inquiry into Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in New ZealandType 2 Diabetes in New Zealand



Own thoughtsOwn thoughts

This is your own This is your own experiences, on all you experiences, on all you have talked of in the have talked of in the essay. What have you essay. What have you seen at your home, seen at your home, school, environment. school, environment. What are your values What are your values etc…etc…Make sure you show that Make sure you show that these are your opinions these are your opinions and what your and what your background is.background is.



Impact in the opposite direction on Impact in the opposite direction on Society.Society.

Read carry that weight.Read carry that weight.

With a focus on obesity in With a focus on obesity in an already obsessed an already obsessed dieting society. This issue dieting society. This issue can have a great impact can have a great impact on vulnerable minds.on vulnerable minds.

Read the following Read the following information on eating information on eating disorders and dieting disorders and dieting etc…etc…


SocietySociety

The impact on New Zealand society The impact on New Zealand society includes….includes….

The ongoing messages in the media can The ongoing messages in the media can have a detrimental effect on individuals. have a detrimental effect on individuals. This is across all age groups but as the This is across all age groups but as the children of New Zealand are the major children of New Zealand are the major target of these some of the impacts on target of these some of the impacts on them include…them include…


HegemonyHegemony

The ideas and The ideas and messages that are messages that are put out through the put out through the media and media and expectations across expectations across society have an society have an impact of causing impact of causing hegemony to occur.hegemony to occur.


HegemonyHegemony

HegemonyHegemony is the dominance of one group is the dominance of one group over other groups, with or without the over other groups, with or without the threat of force, to the extent that, for threat of force, to the extent that, for instance, the dominant party can dictate instance, the dominant party can dictate the terms of trade to its advantage; more the terms of trade to its advantage; more broadly, cultural perspectives become broadly, cultural perspectives become skewed to favor the dominant group. skewed to favor the dominant group. Hegemony controls the ways that ideas Hegemony controls the ways that ideas become "naturalized" in a process that become "naturalized" in a process that informs notions of common sense.informs notions of common sense.


HegemonyHegemony

In the case of the In the case of the obesity issue this obesity issue this involves western involves western society dictating body society dictating body ideals and judgement ideals and judgement of those that do not of those that do not conform.conform.


Self worthSelf worth

Both men and women use their physical Both men and women use their physical appearance, weight and body shape, as a appearance, weight and body shape, as a measure of self worth and physical measure of self worth and physical attractiveness. However, there appears to attractiveness. However, there appears to less room for maneuver for women and less room for maneuver for women and girls. Females seem to place a far greater girls. Females seem to place a far greater emphasis and importance on their physical emphasis and importance on their physical appearance than males - for example, the appearance than males - for example, the majority of people with eating disorders majority of people with eating disorders are women and girls. are women and girls.


ImpactsImpacts

In our society, women In our society, women get the message that get the message that a "perfect" body can a "perfect" body can yield happiness, yield happiness, success and even success and even love. The results can love. The results can be devastating. Poor be devastating. Poor self-esteem, eating self-esteem, eating disorders, self-disorders, self-mutilation and even mutilation and even suicide are some of suicide are some of the consequences of the consequences of a poor body image. a poor body image.


EconomicEconomic

-- Eating disorders are not just a problem -- Eating disorders are not just a problem among the wealthy and the White. Studies among the wealthy and the White. Studies have shown that eating disorders also have shown that eating disorders also occur amongst women in lower SES occur amongst women in lower SES groups (Story, French, Resnick & Blum, groups (Story, French, Resnick & Blum, 1995). 1995).


Weight issuesWeight issues

-- Eighty-nine percent of women surveyed -- Eighty-nine percent of women surveyed want to lose weight (Garner, 1997). want to lose weight (Garner, 1997).


ThoughtThought

"If the definition of beautiful gets "If the definition of beautiful gets any thinner no one will fit"any thinner no one will fit"


ImpactsImpacts

Many women suffer from body dissatisfaction, Many women suffer from body dissatisfaction, and assiduous dieting and the relentless pursuit and assiduous dieting and the relentless pursuit of thinness has become a normative behavior of thinness has become a normative behavior among women in Western society (Rodin, among women in Western society (Rodin, Silberstein & Striegel-Moore,1984). Thinness Silberstein & Striegel-Moore,1984). Thinness has not only come to represent attractiveness, has not only come to represent attractiveness, but also has come to symbolize success, self-but also has come to symbolize success, self-control and higher socioeconomic status. Market control and higher socioeconomic status. Market data Enterprises, Inc. estimated the size of the data Enterprises, Inc. estimated the size of the weight loss industry for 1994 at $32,680 billion.weight loss industry for 1994 at $32,680 billion.


ConsequencesConsequences

Smoking is a common method of weight Smoking is a common method of weight loss being used by today's youth, loss being used by today's youth, according to Frances Berg, according to Frances Berg, editor/publisher of the Healthy Weight editor/publisher of the Healthy Weight Journal (Berg, 1997). Journal (Berg, 1997).


ConsequencesConsequences

Another common method to lose weight is Another common method to lose weight is dieting. Dieting is more common than not dieting. Dieting is more common than not dieting, with 95% of the female population dieting, with 95% of the female population having dieted at some time (Polivy & having dieted at some time (Polivy & Herman, 1987). Herman, 1987).


Society nowSociety now

'It strikes me as common sense, that 'It strikes me as common sense, that middle-class Westerners in particular are middle-class Westerners in particular are eating less and eating better than their eating less and eating better than their grandparents' generation did. And the idea grandparents' generation did. And the idea that young women, in particular, are less that young women, in particular, are less physically active than, say, my mother's physically active than, say, my mother's generation - that just seems to be a non-generation - that just seems to be a non-starter.'starter.'


Inhuman idealsInhuman ideals

The media promotes and reflects the current The media promotes and reflects the current mainstream culture's standards for body shape mainstream culture's standards for body shape or size and importance of beauty. The media or size and importance of beauty. The media reflect images of thinness and link this image to reflect images of thinness and link this image to other symbols of prestige, happiness, love and other symbols of prestige, happiness, love and success for women. Repeated exposure to the success for women. Repeated exposure to the thin ideal via the various media can lead to the thin ideal via the various media can lead to the internalization of this ideal. It also renders these internalization of this ideal. It also renders these images achievable and real. Until women are images achievable and real. Until women are confronted with their own mirror images they will confronted with their own mirror images they will continue to measure themselves against an continue to measure themselves against an inhuman ideal.inhuman ideal.


Morals??Morals??

Five popular women's magazines were Five popular women's magazines were reviewed for their message regarding reviewed for their message regarding weight control messages and morality weight control messages and morality perceptions (Pongonis & Snyder, 1998). perceptions (Pongonis & Snyder, 1998). Morality messages have significantly Morality messages have significantly increased in food, weight control and increased in food, weight control and fitness articles and ads over the past 20 fitness articles and ads over the past 20 years, linking morality to food choices and years, linking morality to food choices and body weight (such as morality messages body weight (such as morality messages alluding to lack of control, laziness and alluding to lack of control, laziness and self-indulgence linked to higher weight).self-indulgence linked to higher weight).


SemioticsSemiotics

The The Semiotics of Ideal BeautySemiotics of Ideal Beauty examines examines whether there can ever be an objective whether there can ever be an objective measurement of beauty or whether the measurement of beauty or whether the concept and appreciation of beauty will concept and appreciation of beauty will always remain in flux as cultures evolve always remain in flux as cultures evolve and establish new standards of physical and establish new standards of physical attractiveness.attractiveness.


InterestingInteresting

Men are less worried about being Men are less worried about being overweight than are most women, but overweight than are most women, but more concerned about muscle mass--more concerned about muscle mass--reflecting our cultural ideals of thin women reflecting our cultural ideals of thin women and powerful men. The muscle-bound and powerful men. The muscle-bound body build was highly rated by men, while body build was highly rated by men, while women preferred a medium, lightly women preferred a medium, lightly muscled build in their ideal males.muscled build in their ideal males.



ImpactsImpacts

Yet if men feel compelled to make over Yet if men feel compelled to make over their bodies to achieve difficult aesthetic their bodies to achieve difficult aesthetic goals, they may be opening themselves to goals, they may be opening themselves to problems with steroid abuse, problems with steroid abuse, musculoskeletal injury, and eating musculoskeletal injury, and eating disorders. If weight is a male concern, it disorders. If weight is a male concern, it has more to do with looking effeminate, has more to do with looking effeminate, puny, and thin than carrying a few excess puny, and thin than carrying a few excess pounds.pounds.


Consider thisConsider this

'Of all the things we could be talking about, 'Of all the things we could be talking about, we are focusing on millions and millions of we are focusing on millions and millions of people in Western countries who are going people in Western countries who are going to live average lengths of time and die to live average lengths of time and die average deaths.’ average deaths.’

Gard, M. & Wright, J. (2004).


SocietySociety

The outcomes of many of the simplistic The outcomes of many of the simplistic messages within initiatives and messages within initiatives and programmes may well have longer term programmes may well have longer term negative implications for individual negative implications for individual students, particularly in regard to physical students, particularly in regard to physical activity uptake and views on nutrition. activity uptake and views on nutrition. Submission to the Health Select Committee on the Inquiry into Obesity and Submission to the Health Select Committee on the Inquiry into Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in New ZealandType 2 Diabetes in New Zealand



SocietySociety

Children and young people are being Children and young people are being encouraged to accept simple messages about encouraged to accept simple messages about nutrition and physical activity. Many of the nutrition and physical activity. Many of the approaches that are based on obesity as a approaches that are based on obesity as a problem teaches children that there are ‘good’ problem teaches children that there are ‘good’ and ‘bad’ foods, and that physical activity is and ‘bad’ foods, and that physical activity is something one does primarily for physical health something one does primarily for physical health purposes. purposes. Submission to the Health Select Committee on the Inquiry into Obesity Submission to the Health Select Committee on the Inquiry into Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in New Zealandand Type 2 Diabetes in New Zealand

From Physical Education New ZealandFrom Physical Education New Zealand Te Ao Kori AotearoaTe Ao Kori Aotearoa ( (Lorna Gillespie – President, Lorna Gillespie – President, Lisette Burrows - Board member)Lisette Burrows - Board member)


SocietySociety

These programmes fail to invite and enable These programmes fail to invite and enable young people to become critical consumers of young people to become critical consumers of health and physical activity information and health and physical activity information and teach them to blindly follow ‘recipes’ that are teach them to blindly follow ‘recipes’ that are constantly changing. (For example, the constantly changing. (For example, the understanding around ‘how much physical understanding around ‘how much physical activity’ is required is constantly under review as activity’ is required is constantly under review as more research emerges.) more research emerges.) Submission to the Health Select Submission to the Health Select

Committee on the Inquiry into Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in New ZealandCommittee on the Inquiry into Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in New Zealand

From Physical Education New ZealandFrom Physical Education New Zealand Te Ao Kori AotearoaTe Ao Kori Aotearoa ( (Lorna Gillespie – President, Lorna Gillespie – President, Lisette Burrows - Board member)Lisette Burrows - Board member)


HealthismHealthism

Another impact on New Another impact on New Zealand society is that it Zealand society is that it becomes a society that becomes a society that supports Healthism which is a supports Healthism which is a set of assumptions based on set of assumptions based on the belief that health is solely the belief that health is solely an individual responsibility. It an individual responsibility. It includes the concept of the includes the concept of the body as a machine that is body as a machine that is influenced only by physical influenced only by physical factors. factors. (Health and Physical Education. (Health and Physical Education. The curriculum in action. Making The curriculum in action. Making meaning: Making a difference. meaning: Making a difference.

(2004)(2004)


Healthism in actionHealthism in action

'In Australia, they have just brought in a 'In Australia, they have just brought in a rule that schools can get extra money if rule that schools can get extra money if they have compulsory after-school they have compulsory after-school physical activity. The idea that you can physical activity. The idea that you can programme kids and they then become programme kids and they then become physically active for the rest of their physically active for the rest of their lives...it doesn't work like that. Money is lives...it doesn't work like that. Money is being poured into programmes that will being poured into programmes that will have little or no effect.'have little or no effect.' Gard, M. & Wright, J. (2004).


Healthism in actionHealthism in action

There are also initiatives in New Zealand There are also initiatives in New Zealand with similar goals eg “the activator”, “push with similar goals eg “the activator”, “push play”, “active families”, as well as exercise play”, “active families”, as well as exercise and breakfast programmes, pilot and breakfast programmes, pilot programmes in a variety of target schools.programmes in a variety of target schools.


ImpactsImpacts

Focus on this issue by the government Focus on this issue by the government means that funding of counteracting this means that funding of counteracting this apparent problem takes away from other apparent problem takes away from other areas of government spending. This can areas of government spending. This can lead to lack of money for issues that are lead to lack of money for issues that are having an impact on society eg the having an impact on society eg the herceptin drug funding for cancer.herceptin drug funding for cancer.


Health influencesHealth influences

Obesity can have a Obesity can have a negative impact on an negative impact on an individuals health. individuals health. These can be These can be discussed. However, discussed. However, as covered earlier as covered earlier there are other causal there are other causal factors beyond factors beyond obesity that can be obesity that can be causing these.causing these.


Brainstorm 2 cause and effect Brainstorm 2 cause and effect diagrams.diagrams.

1.1. Causes of obesity-and the effect of this Causes of obesity-and the effect of this (health effects)(health effects)

2.2. Causes of us believing obesity is an Causes of us believing obesity is an issue-and the effect of this (impact on issue-and the effect of this (impact on society).society).

Causes Effects


Have a class discussion on changes of Have a class discussion on changes of opinion, knowledge on obesity from taking opinion, knowledge on obesity from taking part in this module of work.part in this module of work.

After discussion write a paragraph about After discussion write a paragraph about facts etc… that interested you most in this facts etc… that interested you most in this module.module.


BibliographyBibliographyWEBSITES:WEBSITES:http://www.deakin.edu.au/education/crt-pe/teaching/individual.htmhttp://www.deakin.edu.au/education/crt-pe/teaching/individual.htmhttp://www.newhealth.govt.nz/toolkits/obesity/Obesity0102.pdfhttp://www.newhealth.govt.nz/toolkits/obesity/Obesity0102.pdfhttp://http://www.nhf.org.nz/news.asp?pageIDwww.nhf.org.nz/news.asp?pageID=2145820705&RefID=2141730860=2145820705&RefID=2141730860http://www.library.auckland.ac.nz/subjects/med/healthcare/in_the_news/december04_obesity.htmhttp://www.library.auckland.ac.nz/subjects/med/healthcare/in_the_news/december04_obesity.htmhttp://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_Index/About-Obesityhttp://www.newhealth.govt.nz/toolkits/obesity/context.htmhttp://www.wpro.who.int/NR/rdonlyres/2E903651-E2D2-4E15-B928-A135B653A9D3/0/nez.pdfhttp://socialreport.msd.govt.nz/health/obesity.htmlhttp://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/0/5ce9769d2910b7c8cc256f62001009ff?OpenDocumenthttp://www.beehive.govt.nz/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=17723http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/116-1179/534/content.pdfhttp://www.tki.org.nz/r/health/cia/make_meaning/learn_expphy_invexc_e.phphttp://www.tki.org.nz/r/health/cia/make_meaning/learn_expphy_invexc_e.phphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Pagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_PageBOOKS:Gard, M. & Wright, J. (2004). The obesity epidemic. Science, morality and ideology. London. Routledge.

Finn, L. (2004) Healthy kids, happy kids. Auckland. NZ. Random House>

Articles:Articles:Gillespie, L. and Burrrows, L. (2006) Submission to the Health Select Committee on the Inquiry into Gillespie, L. and Burrrows, L. (2006) Submission to the Health Select Committee on the Inquiry into Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in New Zealand PENZTe Ao Kori AotearoaObesity and Type 2 Diabetes in New Zealand PENZTe Ao Kori Aotearoa Lockett Cordellia (2003)New Zealand Listener | Issue 3316 | November 29-December 5 2003Lockett Cordellia (2003)New Zealand Listener | Issue 3316 | November 29-December 5 2003

(see article in CDROM)(see article in CDROM)

Health & Medicine

Obesity Pp