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Atkins or Fadkins?

By Karen E. Bledsoe

Atkins or Fadkins?


 

Abstract

When Mitchell reveals that he is going on a low-carb diet, Janine tries to talk him out of it, telling him that he’s too thin as it is and doesn’t need to loose any weight. Designed to accompany a nonmajors unit on human anatomy and physiology, this interrupted case study has students applying what they learn about human body systems to Mitchell’s fad diet claims and Janine’s sharp criticisms. Supplementary links help students explore new discoveries about appetite-controlling hormones, how body image may influence people’s dietary decisions, and some of the most common diet myths.

   

Date Posted

06/26/2009

Overview

Objectives

  • To properly define “energy” in a physiological sense.
  • To understand the relationship between calories consumed, calories expended, and weight management.
  • To critically analyze health claims using support from scientific sources.
  • To understand how different body systems contribute to homeostasis, particularly endocrine control of homeostasis of appetite, body weight, and blood sugar.
  • To develop empathy for people with weight management difficulties.

Keywords

Diet; weight; body systems; body image; macronutrients; protein; carbohydrate; fat; calorie; Atkin's diet; energy; metabolism; hormone; homeostasis

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Nutrition
Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Scientific argumentation, Scientific method, Social issues

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted

 

 

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