Central Florida Women and Weight Loss Methods

By: Brittany Norton

IDS4934

Spring 2010

Research Purpose: The purpose of my

research project is to help Central Florida women look deeper that quick fix weight loss methods. I want to help them find ways to change their methods from quick fixes to lifestyle changes that are healthier for them.

Why do Central Florida women choose to use “quick fix” weight loss methods?

Interdisciplinary Approach:

By approaching this topic with an interdisciplinary manner I can better understand why people choose to use these weight loss methods instead of taking the time to educate themselves and make a lifestyle change where no “quick fixes” are needed

No single discipline has been able to resolve this problem of individuals using “quick fix” weight loss methods.

This problem is a societal issue because we as a society have certain expectations of what individuals should look like.

Economics plays a role in why these “quick fix” methods are so popular. Individuals think that they are cheaper than buying the buying and preparing healthy foods, cheaper than joining the gym, and they work “quicker”. The truth is “successful weight control depends upon you, not upon any particular product or program, no matter who is promoting it or how glamorous it appears on the surface.” (Steagall 2006). From another economic stand point, the lower class tends to be the more overweight population. They tend to not take the time to learn about their health and wellbeing, they cannot afford a gym membership so they choose these methods with hopes that they can help them.

Interdisciplinary Approach continued: This is also a psychological problem because there may be

underlying reasons that people are overweight or suffer from eating disorders (ex. binge eating or extreme dieting).

Education plays an important role in this problem because if individuals were educated properly on how to eat right and to fit in exercise regularly, the “quick fix” weight loss methods would not be such a booming industry (The diet industry alone makes at least 50 billion dollars a year in revenue (AEDA 2005).

The biggest issue with this topic is health. Individuals need to be healthy in order to prevent diseases and live long healthy lives and also to inform their children on how to be healthy. This is not going to happen if they are using “quick fix” weight loss method and doing more harm than good to their bodies.

Facts from the Sources:

“These approaches will probably not be effective for safe and long-term weight loss if they don't incorporate a balanced, healthy diet and increased physical activity” (Steagall 2006).

"There is no evidence that these diets are successful at helping people keep weight off once they lose it, and there are ample concerns about the fiber, vitamins, and minerals people give up when they severely restrict their diet, say, by sharply limiting carbohydrate intake. We want people to be provided with sound nutrition advice that will help them in making choices for maintaining good health for the long term." (Albright 2006).

Results of these “quick fixes”: “As a nutritionist, I have seen long term dieters that have burnt out their adrenal glands and central nervous system from metabolic stimulants, abused their colons with laxatives, stripped their bodies of important nutrients with fat blockers, stressed out their kidneys and stripped their bodies of important minerals and electrolytes with diuretics, starved themselves and actually slowed their metabolism down more by going on fad diets.” (Duncan 2009). The body is affected by these “quick fix” methods more than most people think. Most users of these methods are unaware of their harmful effects.

“Food isn’t just used to satisfy hunger – it is also a common part of social interactions and a means of comfort and stress relief” (Paul 2009). Psychology plays an important role in weight loss. As Paul states it is in fact more than just food for hunger.

“90% of all people that lose weight on diets will regain it in the following two years (and will probably gain additional weight as well). Also, The most common behavior that will lead to an eating disorder is dieting.” (AEDA 2005).

Disciplines:

Discipline: Perspective on controversy: Theory within discipline: Bias toward controversy:

Education -quick fix methods are exactly that “quick fixes”-Proper health education is important for all people.

Education Theory The proper education provided to these individuals can improve overall health and wellness in the community.

Health -quick fix methods can have negative effects and do not have permanent results. -all individuals have the right to be healthy.

Medical Theory Proper health practices such as nutrition education and activity/fitness can lead to better health, and can reduce medical issues/complications.

Psychology -understand the drive behind using the quick fix weight loss methods.-mental states can play a role in active weight loss.

Psychological Theory The mindsets of these individuals can be altered once they understand they reasons they feel they need to lose weight.

Economics -quick fix methods are seen as cheaper, quicker ways to lose weight, when in reality with proper education a realistic healthy lifestyle is affordable.

Social class Theory We live in a society where we must provide for ourselves and it seems as if people with lower incomes had a harder time losing weight and chose these quick fix methods. The middle upper class takes the time to go to the gym or just live active lifestyles in general. They also take the time to make healthy meals and go grocery shopping for these items (such as lean meat and fruits and vegetables). When in reality going to the grocery store costs less overall then buying quick fix methods.

Conflicts Between Disciplines: Educators already have to much to teach in to little time. They

would have to take time in the health classes to educate their students. There is no funding for adult education in health.

The psychology field wants to focus on the affects of why one is using the “quick fix methods. Do they have an eating disorder, an emotional disorder?

The health field’s focus in on the well being on the individual. The FDA does not approve these “quick fix” methods by they cannot stop individuals from buying/using them.

The economy keeps individuals buying these “quick fix” methods because they appear as cheap and easy.

Common Ground:

“common ground” between these disciplines and their assumptions is that they are all formed to benefit and better educated the individual involved (with trying the weight loss methods or following an unhealthy lifestyle).

The disciplines overlap one another and come together to form an interdisciplinary outcome: health education to some level at all ages.

Observational Research:

They put together and sponsor cycle races, 5k’s and other similar events. Along with that they offer health consulting and running/waling coaches.

I was able to help set up for and attend a cycle race in Jan. 2010

I also attended several walking sessions with the walking coach, Keri at Baldwin Park in Central Florida.

This is were I was able to interview several Central Florida women to see how they felt about weight loss, the methods they have tried, as well as the struggles and/or successes they have encountered.

Observational Research: InterviewHow do you feel about “quick fix”

weight loss methods? *quick fix: diet pills, shakes, weight

loss programs (weight watchers, nutrisystems, etc.)

I don’t think they work. They tend to be expensive and like you stated that’s exactly what they are a “quick fix” not an attempt at weight loss and lifestyle change.

Have you ever used any of these methods? Why?

I tried diet pills once but they made me feel nauseous, they were huge, tasted horrible, and you had to take four of them a day! I never did that again. I did join a weight loss program but it was difficult to follow and it was very time consuming and got real expensive real fast. I ended up leaving after three months. I chose to use the pills because It was appealing, a pill to help me lose weight, how easy.

How do you define the term healthy? I define the term healthy as a state in which one eats correctly within all food groups, works out several times a week, and they do their best to make proper lifestyle choices. I don’t deprive myself. Everything is okay in moderation.

How are you living a healthier lifestyle? I live a healthier lifestyle by cooking fresh meals, including my family in activity such as bike riding, and walking, I also try not to focus on my weight loss as a diet. I think of it as a change that I am making for my family and myself in order for us to live longer, healthier lives.

On a scale from (not very)1-10(very)-how educated do you feel you are in

weight loss?-how comfortable are you with making

healthy decisions or dining out?-if this type of education was available

to you, would you seek it? -Do you think these topics are important

to focus on in grade schools?

-Three, I am some what educated in weight loss from reading articles as well as what I learned from being on the weight loss program. Joining Keri walking has educated me more with understanding exercise as well as what my body needs (food wise).

-When we go out we tend to over do it, so I would say 1. We usually get an appetizer to share and my husband and I will get an alcoholic beverage, which is not so good when you are trying to lose weight. I also tend to overindulge, and lose track of watching my portions.

-YES! I think that educating children and adults about nutrition as well as exercise and the importance of these subjects and the impact that they can have on your lives is a big deal.

I was fortunate enough to have a “walking interview” with Central Floridian Candice H.

Interdisciplinary Outcome:

There is a need for health education among adults in our society.

Health education can teach individuals how to properly lose weight and how to live a healthy lifestyle with out the use of “quick fixes”.

Students of all ages should be taught about healthy lifestyles, and the effects of dieting in their health classes.

It is important for individuals to realize the harmful effects of these “quick fix” methods, there is a reason Doctors do not promote them and they are not approved by the FDA.

Outcome continued:

“Quick fixes” are not ideal to be used as a weight loss methods. “They are simply a "band-aid" to the weight gain issue” ( Duncan 2009).

Central Florida women need to stay active and keep up with their weight loss the natural way: healthy eating habits and exercise. Most women (interviewed) are becoming more aware of their health and the health of their families. They do this by cooking healthier meals, not dining out as much, keeping active (walking, bike riding with the family, etc.).

Annotated Bibliography:

Please see attached word document.