Walden University Health and Body Image Discussions

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Discussion: Body Image

Perception versus reality. According to the CDC, the average American woman is 5 foot 3 and weighs 170 pounds- which falls into the obesity category. Within the context of the media, according to the University of California, the prevalence of plus size and inclusive models has increased, with a typical web-based advertising campaign including between 10-60% plus sized models. Overweight and obesity prevalence in the United states is 78% and an obesity epidemic in the United States has become a world-wide pandemic. Additionally, though obesity is a chronic health condition, researchers find that obese individuals are also at increased risk of acute illnesses including viral infections. How do we as health promoters and educators navigate the physical and mental health needs of individuals impacted by obesity and/or discrimination based on excess weight? What strategies may optimize the clinical needs of a wide range of body weights, while also optimizing inclusivity?

To prepare for this Discussion:

  • Review Chapter 9 in?Health: The Basics, Green Edition. Consider the role nutrition plays in maintaining body weight 
  • Review Chapter 10 in?Health: The Basics, Green Edition. Think about how a healthy weight can impact body image.
  • Review the article “Media and its Influence on Obesity” by Stanford, Tauqeer, and Kyle. 
  • Review the media “Dimensions of Health Wheel.” Focus on how the perception of body image affects health and wellness. 
  • Review the multimedia piece “Dimensions of Health Wheel.” Consider the role of genetics and behavior on body weight and shape.
  • Review the multimedia piece “Dimensions of Health Wheel.” Focus on how the perception of body image affects health and wellness. Also, consider the role of genetics and behavior on body weight and shape.

With these thoughts in mind:

By Day 4

Stanford and colleagues (2018) discuss behavioral strategies and approaches that could address the need to reduce the prevalence of obesity while also making people of varied weights and sizes feel secure and included. Examples include workplace health and fitness programs or modifying the built environment to promote walking or other forms of active transportation. Select an approach or strategy that you see being effective for the discussion. 

Part 2: Due 2/3

Assignment: Weight Management and Personal Fitness

Managing a healthy weight and maintaining a healthy fitness level takes effort and commitment. Personal fitness is the combination of eating healthfully, exercising, and adopting behaviors that lead to improved personal health and wellness.

For this Assignment, consider your level of personal fitness and any real or perceived barriers that may prevent you from achieving your optimal fitness goals.

To prepare for this Assignment:

Review Chapter 11 in Health: The Basics, 13th Edition. Think about the necessity of personal fitness in disease prevention and overall health and wellness.

Complete the following Personal Health Assessments in Health: The basics, 12th edition:

  • Chapter 10, “How Healthy Are Your Eating Habits?”
  • Chapter 11, “Are You Ready to Start a Weight-Loss Program?”
  • Chapter 12, “How Physically Fit Are You?”

Assignment (2–3 pages):

  • Summarize any insights you gained as a result of taking this assessments.
  • Explain two benefits of physical fitness as a vital means of disease prevention and explain why they are beneficial.
  • Describe two ways in which you might increase your personal fitness.
  • Describe two barriers that might inhibit your physical fitness and describe one strategy you might use to overcome one of those barriers.