Section 9-2

Body composition

A measure of how much body fat you have, as compared to muscle and bone

Fad diet

A popular diet that may help a person gain or lose weight but without proper regard for nutrition and other health issues

Body mass index (BMI)

A ratio of your weight to your height

Obesity

A term referring specifically to adults with a BMI of 30 or higher

Overweight

A term used to describe a person who is heavier than the standard for the person's height

Underweight

A term used to describe a person who is lighter than the standard for the person's height

Briefly describe how heredity, activity level, and body composition can affect a person's weight.

Due to traits inherited from your parents, you may have a natural tendency toward a certain weight. Your activity level, and therefore the number of calories burned, must be balanced with the number of calories you take in to maintain a healthy weight. A body more composed of more muscle than fat will naturally tend to be heavier than a body composed of more fat than muscle.

Why is exercise an important part of a weight loss program and also for gaining weight?

Exercise is necessary to maintain a healthy basal metabolic rate while decreasing your calorie intake; it helps you maintain fitness and gain healthy muscle mass.

What are two diseases associated with being overweight? What health risks are associated with being underweight?

High blood pressure and type 2 diabetes; anemia, heart irregularities, and trouble regulating body temperature.

Describe two problems associated with fad diets.

Weight loss is temporary; not with proper regard for nutrition and other health issues.

What is the formula for calculating body mass index? What does it mean for someone to have a healthy body mass index?

Weight over height squared times 703. A healthy BMI would be a healthy weight in relation to the standard for a person's height.