Abstract This paper examines the effects of a high fat/low-carbohydrate diet such as Atkins, on body weight and composition. This paper compares such a high fat diet to the effects of a calorie-reduced, fat-restricted diet in an attempt to answer the question of whether weight loss occurs because of a metabolic advantage. Metabolic advantage means that the body begins to use fat as energy due to a lowered carbohydrateintake.
From the Paper "One possible reason that the subjects in the Pogliaghi and Veicsteinas (1999) study did not appear to benefit from a low-carbohydrate/high fat diet might be that they have not been participating in endurance training. As an individual exercises, the resulting muscle contractions are done using ATP. How the body creates and uses this ATP is dependant upon the amount of the energy sources available, and the intensity and duration of the exercise. In all individuals, even those who are non-obese, glycogen is generally used for ATP and thus, during moderate exercise, the body creates ATP from available glycogen. As the intensity of exercise is increased, oxygen levels in the body decrease, which makes the creation of ATP difficult. The body, at this point, will begin to burn fat to substitute for this lack of ability. Since prolonged endurance training has the affect of conditioning the muscles to "crossover" to burn glycogen after longer time duration, trained individuals will burn more fat and less glycogen than untrained individuals will. This might explain why the study done by Pogliaghi and Veicsteinas (1999) yielded such results as it did, since the individuals in the study were not trained athletes."
Abstract The paper discusses evidence for and against the Atkins diet, which calls for a reduction in carbohydrateintake. The paper discusses the recommendations on carbohydrates by the government and the medical establishment and evidence offered by critics of the Atkins approach, including concerns on the part of some doctors that the diet may be dangerous.
From the Paper "The Atkins diet has been the subject of considerable controversy as it has become popular, leading to concerns on the part of some doctors that the diet may be dangerous. This diet is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, promising weight loss from a change in dietary habits in terms of reducing the consumption of carbohydrates and increasing the consumption of protein rather than by simply reducing intake. In this way, the diet promises that dieters will lose weight without going hungry. The Atkins diet was developed by Dr. Atkins in 1972."
Abstract This paper explains that, for overweight people and people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the low calorie and low fat diets recommended by the government do not work well and actually worsen the condition. The author points out that low carbohydrate diets, such as the popular "Dr. Atkins Diet", are synonymous with a high-fat and moderate protein regime. The paper relates that, when carbohydrateintake is restricted, the insulin levels decrease and the levels of glucagon increase. The author underscores that the increased fats and oils keep the appetite under control. The author suspects that the mechanism of insulin resistance is not a disease but rather a mechanism of homeostasis used to keep the body's fat to muscle ratio in balance. The paper states that, when the body is out of balance, type 2 diabetes mellitus occurs to correct the epigenetic factors that caused the imbalance.
From the Paper "Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are now associated with decreased expression of genes that regulate oxidative phosphorylation in skeletal muscle. Uncoupling protein 3 (UPC3) is a protein transporter that uncouples oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondrial respiration in skeletal muscle. Studies on UCP3 functions under various physiological conditions have suggested that the function of UCP3 is not limited only to regulation of whole-body energy metabolism but is also involved in regulation of lipids metabolism. Uncoupling proteins act to convert stored fat into thermal energy."
Abstract This paper gives an introduction to the chemical substances of life: proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. It describes how proteins are formed, their primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure, and gives examples of protein use in the human body. The paper also describes mono- and poly-saccharides, their structure, reactions, and functions in the human body. Lastly it describes lipids and fatty acids and their functions in the human body.
From the Paper "Proteins contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen and some may also contain sulfur. The building blocks of proteins are amino acids. There are twenty essential amino acids found in cells and some proteins contain special amino acids which are derived from the essential twenty by a change in their constituents. They contain an amino group at one end (NH) and a hydroxyl group at the other (OH) and in between there is a carbon atom with one hydrogen and.
Abstract This paper attempts to explore the proper timing of amino acids and carbohydrates in regard to protein synthesis. It does this by examining the causes of catabolism and what happens during this process, by looking at the building blocks and the types of proteins involved in the process and by studying the function of insulin and how it functions in relation to the intake of carbohydrates.
From the Paper "The field of Biochemistry which ?studies the structure, synthesis and degradation of large molecules found in living cells, their metabolic regulation, and their expression (Spencer, 1997)? is known as molecular biology. These large molecules, or macromolecules, include DNA, RNA, proteins and carbohydrates, and their complexes."
Abstract This paper discusses where one can find a policy basis for federal dietary guidance and for shaping nutrition education. It looks at and discusses various guidelines that have been set down with regards to daily nutritional intake. The writer then analyzes his own daily dietary intake and compares it to the recommended daily nutritional intake.
From the Paper "There is no RDA for fiber at this time. The average consumption in industrial nations is 15 grams per day, which helps in a number of ways to keep the dietary tract healthy. Fiber also helps fight obesity and decreases the level of cholesterol in the body. It helps stabilize glucose concentration in the blood and can purify the body of toxins and heavy metals. However, high dietary fiber can reduce the effectiveness of some medicines. It may also restrict the absorption of nutrients such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and calcium (What is dietary fiber [fibre] and its role in nutrition, 2007, Sections 1-2)."
Abstract The paper first asserts that the author's protein intake is above the recommended amount. The paper breaks down the foods in the author's diet and discusses how each one compliments the other to contribute to the overall protein intake. The paper discusses that the effects of excessive protein intake are nowhere near as detrimental as not receiving enough protein however the excess can lead to calcium deficiency in the bones. The paper lastly discusses ways in which one can decrease protein consumption if the protein intake is excessive.
From the Paper "Of the entire recommended protein intake achieved my number was 61. This number was far above the recommended 46 number range. The number surprised me because I had not realized how much protein I was taking in, not only with meat, but with the other foods which added to my protein intake. This added number was more than I expected since my diet doesn't entail a lot of beef, ham, or pork. I am a lover of seafood and I did not realize how much protein there is in a serving of fish for instance, or even that what vegetables I do eat, also had a small (2%) contribution to my protein. Since my protein intake is above the number where it is supposed to be a simple re-measuring of small doses of protein will suffice for a lower number if that is what needs to be achieved."
Tags: nutrition, protein, food, beans, meat, health
Abstract This paper explains the importance of calcium in a child's diet and takes a look at the calcium intake and needs of children and adolescents. The paper summarizes a study on fracture rates vs. milk consumption, on adolescent bone mineral density and on calcium in vegan diets and then looks at dietary factors which affect calcium intake, absorption and calcium loss.
From the Paper "Calcium intake in children may be insufficient for their needs, as their bones are growing and a study by Goulding et al showed that children who avoided drinking cow's milk for prolonged periods and did not consume calcium-rich food substitutes had low bone mineral densities. Low bone density combined with a high body weight increases the risk of bone fractures during growth when children are more prone to such fractures. Optimal bone growth cannot take place without sufficient calcium intake and in the Western countries dairy products are..."
Tags: calcium, bone mineral density, osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteogenesis
Abstract This paper begins by listing the items consumed by the author over three days and evaluates to what extent the recommended goals for total fat and protein intake have been met. The author discusses the importance of regulating cholesterol, fiber, vitamin C, and Vitamin D intakes, and shows how there was an insufficient percentage of all four during the three days, according to DRI guidelines as well by Canada's Food Guide standards. The author concludes by examining ways to correct these deficiencies and achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Outline
An Analysis Of Four Elements
Diet Analysis Comparison to Canada's Food Guide
From the Paper "While my recommended allotment of cholesterol was 300 mg, my intake report showed that in three days I had exceeded that amount by 16.27 mg. This development is rather concerning, since high levels of cholesterol are associated with a myriad of health problems that develop over time. Because the effects of high cholesterol are ones that take years to develop, including the hardening of arteries that can lead to heart attack and other serious cardiac diseases, it is crucial to deal with the problem in its early stages (Schoenstadt). I believe I have exceeded my cholesterol recommendation because of the large amount of meat products that I consume, including eggs, hamburgers, and bacon. These foods are not only high in cholesterol, but also in saturated fat."
Abstract The paper discusses how understanding the effects of dietary changes is important from nutritional, health, chemical and performance standpoints. The paper discusses how bodybuilders might mistakenly believe that all one needs is more protein, since protein increases muscle mass. The paper explains that carbohydrates provide the energy that is critical to the support of the body's growth processes and explains why the body also needs fats. The paper describes the dangers and side effects associated with steroid usage. The paper shows how unfortunately, most bodybuilders make these dietary and chemical modifications without the thought of long-term sustainability; too many are looking for the quick-fix.
From the Paper "Knowing how important that protein is to increasing muscle mass, some bodybuilders might mistakenly come to the conclusion that all one needs is more protein. This erroneous belief, coupled with the current anti-carb craze, makes it difficult to assert the importance of carbohydrate intake. Nonetheless, carbohydrate intake has a very real place in the diet of the competing bodybuilder with very real consequences for any regimen. Part of what has given carbohydrates a bad name for bodybuilders is the fact that increasing the level of carbohydrates has the effect of boosting the body's levels of the hormone insulin."
Abstract This study relates that its aim is to explore patterns, if any, in the eating behavior of areas around the world. The paper presents the survey and the results that there are statistically significant differences between regions/economic groups with respect to caloric intake. The paper maintains that since obesity and malnourishment are becoming such important issues in today's society, more consideration needs to be taken in order to form interventions.
From the Paper "Numerous studies performed have demonstrated several reasons that depict the growing food epidemic. Eating behavior has been correlated to the effects of daily hassles. Research has found that an increase in daily hassles was associated with an enhancement in consumption of foods high in fat and sugar along with a decrease in regular meals and vegetables (O'Connor, Jones, Conner, McMillian, & Ferguson, 2008). Abundance in caloric intake was also found in consumers when given the option of tasting full-, reduced-, or no-fat foods. Women were found to adhere to the norm of society by choosing the no-fat foods, signifying that the placement of nutrition labels on foods curbs the eating behavior of people of certain races, gender, and living place (Bushman, 1998)."
Abstract This paper examines the pros and cons of the Atkins diet, based on the controversial idea of the intake of a high protein and high fat diet with the reduction in the intake of carbohydrates. The paper explores the marketing strategies of this diet as they are employed in the United States and Europe.
Outline
I. Background on Atkins Diet
II. When was Atkins Introduced into USA
III. How is the US Market doing in terms of Sales this Year
IV. Global Introduction:
V. Marketing and Advertising Strategies
VI. Where is Atkins headed?
VII. Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Atkins was born in Columbus, in the state of Ohio in the year 1930. After having joined the University of Michigan, he graduated with a Major in Pre-meds, after which Atkins received his Medical Degree in the year 1955 from the Cornell University Medical School. By the year 1959, he had finished his residencies at both Rochester and Columbia Universities, and also at St. Luke's Hospital at New York. Equipped with the experiences gained from the residencies, Dr. Atkins was able to start his private practice at New York City in the year 1960. It was in the year 1963 that he began to conduct a lot of research and also formalize his findings on the subject of 'controlled carbohydrate intake', as based on a series of articles that appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association. However, it was not until the year 1972 that the very first edition of the revolutionary book, 'Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution' was published, which was followed by Dr. Atkins findings on the effects of the destabilizing effects of Diabetes or Blood Sugar published in the book 'Dr. Atkins' Super Energy Diet' in the year 1977. (From Past to Present)"
Abstract The paper maintains that reversing obesity is a long-term process of dietary changes emphasizing lower-fat foods, replacing sugars and other simple carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates and reducing sodium intake. The paper argues that the weight loss associated with short-term diets is almost always temporary and is followed by relapses into old eating habits that result in recurrent obesity.
From the Paper "According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, obesity is a serious problem in the United States with as many as 66 percent of adults meeting the criteria of clinical obesity (USDHHS 2007). Even more troubling is the fact that approximately 20 percent of children under 18 are also overweight with reliable data indicating that overweight children are likely to remain overweight and much more prone
to obesity as adults than children who are not overweight (Kotz 2007).
"Obesity is a known risk factor in many chronic major health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, adult-onset diabetes, as well as arthritis and even some forms of cancer. It reduces the quality of life and life span and costs the American health care system billions of dollars every year in the costs associated with treating the wide range of medical problems associated with clinical obesity and chronic overweight."
Abstract This paper explores the need for safe weight loss and healthy eating as opposed to the fad diets often featured on television, in newspapers and in magazines. It compares and contrasts two different weight-loss strategies with two different approaches to reducing diets -the diet plans devised by Dr Robert Atkins, which focus on reducing carbohydrateintake and the programs devised by diet gurus such as Dr Dean Ornish in the USA and Rosemary Conley in the UK, which focus on an ultra-low fat intake as the best way to lose weight. It examines the evidence for and against these approaches to reduction dieting as opposed to the myriad of fad diets available such as diet pills and drinks.
From the Paper "The diet industry globally makes millions of dollars each year. Brands such as Slim-Fast, Slimmers World and Weight Watchers are household names throughout the world and a new diet craze surfaces every few months, helped along by media coverage and the cult of celebrity as A-list stars and lesser mortals in the public eye rush to promote themselves as perfect beings with lifestyles worth emulating. The latest figures published by the US government show a rising incidence of weight problems in the USA with 31 per cent of adults now classed as obese, along with almost 15 per cent of those aged between six and 19, plus 10 per cent of preschool children."
Tags: obesity, healthcare, system, dietary, regimes, body, mass, index
Abstract This comparison of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) needs of an amateur marathon runner and a "normal" non-athlete or sedentary person illustrates the difference in the quantities of nutrients each need to maintain a healthy and well functioning body. It also shows the consequence of continued consumption of such a diet to the marathon runner if the athlete becomes a non-athlete.
From the Paper "Once established, the calorie requirement per day will illustrate the difference in needs between the athlete and non-athlete. The normal sedentary adult requires .40 grams per pound of body weight per day of protein to stay within RDA guidelines. The adult competitive athlete requires .90 grams per pound of body weight per day, more than twice the number of the non-athlete. (Parsons, 2003)"
