Keys, et al (1972) defined
disproportionate BMI as a condition where there is a deviation from allowable
(normal) BMI; in its real sense, the causes of underweight, overweight or
obesity. Due to their peculiarity and associated health implication, it is
paramount to manage these unhealthy conditions to enhance the quality of life
of the individuals.
disproportionate BMI as a condition where there is a deviation from allowable
(normal) BMI; in its real sense, the causes of underweight, overweight or
obesity. Due to their peculiarity and associated health implication, it is
paramount to manage these unhealthy conditions to enhance the quality of life
of the individuals.
Management of Underweight
Sohl (2007), pointed out that most often, being underweight is a
sign of an accompanying disorder. This disorder must first be dealt with in
order to bring weight back to normal. In addition, to this treatment, physical
activity may need to be modified and psychological counselling may be required.
After the treatment of the primary disorder is successful, nutritional support
may be provided along with dietary changes. The objectives of dietary
modification are to restore the body to its normal weight, rebuild tissue and
store nutrients, and maintain the desirable body weight. The nutrient required
for the management of underweight areas follows;
sign of an accompanying disorder. This disorder must first be dealt with in
order to bring weight back to normal. In addition, to this treatment, physical
activity may need to be modified and psychological counselling may be required.
After the treatment of the primary disorder is successful, nutritional support
may be provided along with dietary changes. The objectives of dietary
modification are to restore the body to its normal weight, rebuild tissue and
store nutrients, and maintain the desirable body weight. The nutrient required
for the management of underweight areas follows;
a. Energy: A nutritious high energy
diet providing calories over and above the body’s requirement will result in
weight gain. An increase of about 500 -1000 Cal per day can result in a weight
gain of approximately one kilogram per week.
diet providing calories over and above the body’s requirement will result in
weight gain. An increase of about 500 -1000 Cal per day can result in a weight
gain of approximately one kilogram per week.
b. Protein: A liberal intake of high
quality protein will help in building up of muscle tissue. A daily protein
intake of two grams per kilogram of body weight will be required. For example,
if your body weight is 60 kg, you require 75-120 g protein.
quality protein will help in building up of muscle tissue. A daily protein
intake of two grams per kilogram of body weight will be required. For example,
if your body weight is 60 kg, you require 75-120 g protein.
c. Carbohydrates: A high carbohydrate intake is also necessary to meet
the energy requirements of a malnourished body. The bulk of the diet, however,
should not be increased as it cuts down food intake. Avoid taking more fibre
than is necessary for regular bowel movement.
the energy requirements of a malnourished body. The bulk of the diet, however,
should not be increased as it cuts down food intake. Avoid taking more fibre
than is necessary for regular bowel movement.
d. Fats: Fats aid in the weight gain process, but they should
only be used in amounts that can be tolerated. Emulsified fats like butter,
cream etc. are better tolerated by the body.
only be used in amounts that can be tolerated. Emulsified fats like butter,
cream etc. are better tolerated by the body.
e. Minerals and Vitamins: These must be provided in
sufficient amounts in order to counter for nutritional deficiencies.
sufficient amounts in order to counter for nutritional deficiencies.
Management of Overweight or
Obesity
Obesity
According to Mayo Clinic (2013) the following ways are
used in preventing and to manage overweight or obesity.
used in preventing and to manage overweight or obesity.
Ø
Monitor your Weight
Regularly: People who weigh themselves at least once a week are more successful in
keeping of excess pounds. Monitoring your weight can tell you whether your
efforts are working and can help you detect small weight gain before they
become big problems.
Monitor your Weight
Regularly: People who weigh themselves at least once a week are more successful in
keeping of excess pounds. Monitoring your weight can tell you whether your
efforts are working and can help you detect small weight gain before they
become big problems.
Ø
Know and Avoid the Food
Traps that Cause You to Eat: Identify situations that trigger you out of
control eating. Try to keep a journal and write down what you eat, how much you
eat, when you ear, how you are feeling and how hungry you are. And develop
strategies for handling these types of situation and stay in control of your
eating behavior.
Know and Avoid the Food
Traps that Cause You to Eat: Identify situations that trigger you out of
control eating. Try to keep a journal and write down what you eat, how much you
eat, when you ear, how you are feeling and how hungry you are. And develop
strategies for handling these types of situation and stay in control of your
eating behavior.
Ø
Exercise Regularly: According to the American
College of Sports Medicine (2000), you need to get 150 to 250 minutes of
moderate intensity activity a week to prevent weight gain. Moderately intense
physical activities include fast walking and swimming.
Exercise Regularly: According to the American
College of Sports Medicine (2000), you need to get 150 to 250 minutes of
moderate intensity activity a week to prevent weight gain. Moderately intense
physical activities include fast walking and swimming.
Ø
Eat Healthy Meals and
Snacks: Focus on low calories, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables
and whole grain. Avoid saturated fat and limit sweet and alcohol. Ensure that
you choose food that promotes healthy weight gain and good health more often
than you choose food that don’t.
Eat Healthy Meals and
Snacks: Focus on low calories, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables
and whole grain. Avoid saturated fat and limit sweet and alcohol. Ensure that
you choose food that promotes healthy weight gain and good health more often
than you choose food that don’t.
Ø
Consistent: Stick to your healthy
weight plan during the week.
Consistent: Stick to your healthy
weight plan during the week.
References
American College of Sports
Medicine (2000). Checking Weight Gain through
Physical Activities. Indianapolis;
USA: ACSM
Medicine (2000). Checking Weight Gain through
Physical Activities. Indianapolis;
USA: ACSM
Keys, Ancel; Fidanza,
Flaminio; Karvonen, Martti J.; Kimura, Noboru; Taylor, Henry L. (1972). “Indices of relative
weight and obesity”. Journal of Chronic Diseases Vol. 25 (6–7): Pp329–43.
Flaminio; Karvonen, Martti J.; Kimura, Noboru; Taylor, Henry L. (1972). “Indices of relative
weight and obesity”. Journal of Chronic Diseases Vol. 25 (6–7): Pp329–43.
Sohl, B.M. (2007) Aim for a Healthy Weight:
Assess your Risk”. London: Sixth Value Publishers
Assess your Risk”. London: Sixth Value Publishers
Mayo Clinic (2013). Diseases and Conditions: Obesity. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved 19 March 2012.