Holistic Intervention for the Dieting Population in the UK - Term Paper Example

HOLISTIC INTERVENTION FOR THE DIETING POPULATION IN UNITED KINGDOM Student’s Name Course Professor’s Name University City (State) Date Holistic Intervention for the Dieting Population in United Kingdom 1.0 Introduction A survey conducted in the United Kingdom indicates that two-third of the women have been trying to lose weight in 2013 with the number of men trying to slim increasing to new records (Poulter 2014). In explanation, in 2013, 29 million Britons engaged in practices associated with weight lose that include dieting and exercising. The study indicates that the number of women who tried to lose weight in 2013 went to record high of 65 percent from 63 percent. On the other hand, the number of male Britons who tried to lose weight increased from 42 to 44 percent in the same year. The same time, 61 percent of the Britons are overweight which includes the 13 million who are clinically suffering from obesity. The study also indicated that most of the slimmers preferred exercise over dieting. In explanation, 60 percent of the Britons prefer managing weight through exercise as opposed to dieting. The study also indicated that people were suspicious of the food that the dieters take to promote healthy living. People did not trust the ingredients found in the products, for example, the artificial sweeteners. Furthermore, they questioned if the products had lower calories compared to the standard ones given their smaller portions recommended. However, the study does not give us the negative effects including the nutritional implications of dieting. 2.0 The Needs of the Dieting Population 2.1 Nutritional Requirements According to the World Health Organisation, the total fat energy of at least 20 percent is considered healthy. However, for the most active groups with diets rich of whole grain cereals, fruits, legumes, and vegetables can sustain a fat intake of up to 35 percent without unhealthy gain in weight. Higher consumption of free sugars can also threaten the quality of nutrients through providing huge amounts of energy without given nutrients. In explanation, free sugar increases the energy density of the diets and promotes positive balance in energy. Drinks that have excess sugars increase the intake of energy through reducing the control of appetite. Non-starch polysaccharides are also important to the health. The recommended sources of non-starch polysaccharides include vegetables, fruits, and wholegrain cereals. The consumption of wholegrain foods, vegetables and fruits provides more than 20 grams of non-starch polysaccharides per day. Another determinant of a healthy living in reference to nutrition is the body mass index. The aim of the adult median body mass index at the population level is supposed to be between 21 and 23 kilogram per square meters. At the individual level, the average body mass index should be between 18.5 and 24.9 kilogram per square meters. Adults should avoid a weight gain that exceeds 5 kilogram at any time of their lives. Furthermore, to ensure a healthy body weight, people should engage in physical activities. It is recommended that people engage in at least a one hour work per day for the case of a moderate-intensity activity. Such an exercise is important for maintaining a body weight, more so, for the population with sedentary occupations. 2.2 Psychological Influences on Dieting A study conducted by Grossniklaus et al. (2010) indicates that there is a link between psychological distress and abdominal obesity. The goal of the study was to determine the link between dietary energy density among the overweight and the psychological factors such as depressive symptoms and perceived stress. It entailed a sample of 87 overweight working adults that went through a correlation, cross sectional and descriptive study. The participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale and Beck Depression Inventory-II. In addition, the food and beverages consumed for three days were weighed to determine the energy density. The weight and height of the participants were also measured to determine their body mass index. Data analysis was conducted using sequential regression modeling, Mann- Whitney U, and descriptive statistics. The results of the study indicated that 21.9 percent of the participants were going through depressive symptoms that explained the variance in the beverage and food energy density intake among the African-American and the intake of calories. The symptoms of depression affected the intake of non-alcoholic beverages and food among the African-Americans and male gender. However, perceived stress did not significantly influence the beverage and food energy density. 2.3 Spiritual Influences on Dieting According to Lau, Edwards, and Murthi (2010), culture and religion can influence diet of a particular group of people. For example, Buddhism encourages vegetarianism with the inclusion of eggs and fish in the diet. Most of the Hindus are strict vegetarians with the main source of proteins being lentils and legumes. Dairy products such as yoghurt, butter, and milk are included in the diet. The religion forbids the eating of beef since cow is sacred. Hindus also avoid eating of eggs. Some of the Hindus may prefer eating with hands while the devout ones fast regularly as a way of promoting spiritual growth. Fasting usually take place on Sundays and is also linked to several phases of the planets and moon. As per the Islamic communities, eating is based on faith. The community has got dietary laws known as Halal. Forbidden foods, also known as ‘Haram’ include pork and its products, shellfish, meats slaughtered not according to the Islamic rites and the ‘Haram’ additives such as gelatine. However, some of the Muslims eat the kosher meats while some of the Enteral Feeds are certified by the Halal. Islamic faith also avoids alcohol as a medicine or in cooking. Another main issue that affect nutritional practices among the Muslims include fasting practices. The activity takes place during the whole of the ninth month known as Ramadan. In some of the occasions, fasting means no consumption of fluids and food from sunrise to sunset. In the case of Judaism, shellfish, pork, and pork products are forbidden. Kosher foods are taken but must be prepared through the Jewish dietary laws. However, the birds, fish and animals can be taken without being Koshered. Furthermore, meats are not to be prepared using milk or its derivatives. Judaism also practices fasting. Another religion is the Seventh Day Adventist Church that encourages a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. The religion avoids all meat, fish, and poultry but allows consumption of dairy products and eggs. Alcohol, tea, and coffee are prohibited in the religion. The aim of the dietary practices is to glorify and honour God. Finally, Mormons has stipulated law that define proper eating. It prohibits the use of beverages and caffeine while fasting is encouraged as a discipline for honouring God and self control. Mormons avoid meat and encourage the eating of nuts, vegetables, fruits, and grains. In conclusion, most of the religions encourage fasting since they believe it helps in the improvement of the body. However, the sick, disabled, young, elderly, and the nursing women are usually exempted from the practice. Spiritual factors, therefore, are critical in determining suitable diet practices. 3.0 Influence of General Environment on Dieting According to a study conducted by Johnston, Fanzo, and Cogill (2014), there are several factors that determine the dieting practices among people. The study that was conducted through a secondary literature review indicated that factors that affect foods that human consume include food choice, food accessibility, and food availability which are in turn influenced by consumer attitude, marketing, culture, religion, globalization, urbanization, socioeconomic status, disposable income, demography, and geography. The study examines the factors that influence sustainable diets and uses descriptive analysis on the areas. It also presents a framework and causal model from which sustainable development can be embedded. The sustainable diets are based on five main categories: socioeconomic, environmental, socio-cultural, health, and agriculture. An impact in any of the five categories affects the others thus forming a complex web. The complexity in the web makes it difficult for the professionals and policy makers to understand the considerations and benefits for consuming, processing, and promoting such diets. It is, therefore, important for better indicators and measurements to be developed with the intention of assessing the impacts of the determinants on the diets. 4.0 Programme Design for those Dieting The programme design is developed to help on a daily lose of weight. The features of the plan entail promoting sustainable and safe weight loss. It also encourages the making of healthier food choices and promotes the engagement with a professional online community (Health Unlocked 2016). The community help in the issuance of tips that will make healthy dieting practical and encourage sustainable practices. The programme also entails the use of a progress chart designed on a weekly basis (National Health Service Choices). Refer to appendix 1 below to find a sample of a weekly chart. The programme also must entail the exercise plans that will assist in the weight loss. Lastly, the programme must have inputs on how to prevent the regain of weight (National Health Service Choices 2014). The programme is delivered in weekly packs. It has twelve weekly information packs that incorporate advice on physical activity, healthy eating, diet, and weekly challenges (National Health Service Choices 2014a). Each of the guides has a food activity chart that helps record the calories taken, exercise done and the amount of weight lost (Refer to Appendix 1 below). As a result, one can see his or her progress at a glance. The chart should be places in a place that it can easily be accessed such as the kitchen cupboard or the fridge. It is important that it is updated daily. Regular physical exercise is an important element in the process of weight loss. It should be used to complement the healthier diet since it helps burn the extra calories and improve the wellbeing and general health. However, there are some of important knowledge and tools that the person dieting need to take in consideration before beginning the programme. First, it is important that the individual tries his or her calorie checker. Calorie checker helps the client to determine the amount of calorie in each of the meals to be taken. National Health Service Choices (2014b) has a free calorie checker that can help approximate the amount of calories found in approximately more that 150,000 distinct drinks and foods. Second, the client needs to work out the amount of weight that they need to lose at a given point. The amount of weight to be lost can be determined through the body mass index tool. The tool helps in the determination of the healthy weight range thus allowing one to calculate the amount of weight that they need to lose to achieve the optimal point. According to the National Health Service Choices (2014c) the appropriate body mass index ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. The body mass index tool also provides one with the calorie allowance to ensure a healthy weight loss. Third, it is important for the client to learn how to count the calories on the plan. The counting of the calories can be achieved through the use of calorie checker (National Health Service Choices 2014b). It helps determine the calorie contents of the drinks, snacks, and meals. One can also download health recipe apps to ensure that the appropriate amount of calories is taken in each of the meals. However, the apps should be certified by legitimate and professional organisations or institutions. It is also important for the patient to engage in non-food rewards in case of celebrating a progress. Such rewards include new digital player, clothes, magazines or books, massage, new running shoes, day off work, spa, or even professional teeth whitening. Furthermore, the client should start the plan using the twelve weight loss tips. According to National Health Service Choices (2014d), the weight loss tips entails: never missing breakfast, eating regular meals, eating plenty of vegetable and fruits, being more active, drinking water in plenty, eating foods that are high in fibre contents, reading food labels, using smaller plates to eat smaller portions, avoiding junk food, reduction of alcohol use, and planning of the meals. 5.0 Justification of the Dieting Programme The reduction and maintenance of healthy weight is based on the psychology of diets theory. A study conducted by Dr. Jeff Brunstorm show that the dietary habits are acquired over several years of practice (In Collingwood 2016). The dieting programme then aims to ensure sustainable eating habit through practice. The aim of the plan is help lose 0.5 kilogrammes to 1 kilogramme each week which is equivalent to the loss of 1lb to 2lb. The method of the weight loss is purely through sticking to the calorie allowance for each day. In explanation, most men should stick to a calorie limit of 1,900 kcal and below while most women should have a maximum of 1,400 kcal. In case it is difficult to stick to the calorie limit, a BMI calculator can be used to determine an individual’s calorie allowance of personal weight loss (National Health Services Choices 2015). The programme gives an allowance for over consumption of calories in a given day since it can be addressed through reducing the intake of calories on the days that follow. For instance, in case a lady takes 1,700 kcal on Monday, which is 300 kcal more than the recommended amount, she will have to reduce the same amount of excessive calories intake in the rest of the week to stay track. The amount of calories to be taken is based on the guidance of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2014a). The guidance stipulates that an average person should reduce their intake of calorie by about 600 kcal if they are to lose weight. 6.0 Evaluation of the Programme Evaluation of the practicality, efficiency and effectiveness will be done using the weekly progress chart (National Health Service Choices). The chart stipulates the amount of total calories taken each day. It also summarised the type of activity that the dieter engaged in during the week and the duration that each of the activity took. Most importantly, the chart has measurements for the weight and waist of the participant at the beginning of the week and the end of it. The weight and waist difference in the beginning and the end of the week gives a suitable and more practical way of determining the effectiveness of the programme. 7.0 Potential Impacts of the Programme to Public Health The programme will improve the public health since it integrates physical activity and dieting. Studies show that physical inactivity is ranked fourth among the leading mortality risk factor (House of Commons Health Committee 2015). It accounts for 6 percent deaths after high blood glucose, tobacco use, and high blood pressure that are at 6, 9 and 13 percent respectively. Obesity and overweight are responsible for 5 percent of the global mortality. The programme will, therefore, reduce the mortality rate through minimising the cases of obesity, overweight, and physical inactivity. For instance, in the United Kingdom, one out of six deaths is directly caused by physical inactivity (House of Commons Health Committee 2015). Since the programme encourages physical activities, it will minimise the death rate in the United Kingdom and globally. Reference List Collingwood, J 2016, ‘The psychology of Diets’, Psych Central. Available from: < http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-psychology-of-diets/ >. [17 November 2016]. Grossniklaus, DA, Dunbar, SB, Tohill, BC, Gary, R, Higgins, MK & Frediani, J 2010, ‘Psychological factors are important correlates of dietary pattern in overweight adults’, The Journal of cardiovascular nursing, vol. 25, no. 6, pp.450. Health Unlocked 2016, Weight loss NHS. Available from: < https://healthunlocked.com/nhsweightloss >. [17 November 2016]. House of Commons Health Committee 2015, Impact of physical activity and diet on health, The Stationery Office Limited, London. Johnston, JL, Fanzo, JC & Cogill, B 2014, ‘Understanding sustainable diets: a descriptive analysis of the determinants and processes that influence diets and their impact on health, food security, and environmental sustainability’,  Advances in Nutrition: An International Review Journal, vol. 5, no. 4, pp.418-429. Lau, Q, Edwards, D, & Murthi, R 2010, Nutrition and falls: A CALD Perspective. Available from: < http://www.healthpromotion.com.au/Documents/Falls_Seminars/FallsNutritionQueeny.p df >.[17 November 2016]. National Health Service Choices 2014, Start the NHS weight loss plan. Available from: < http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/weight-loss-guide/Pages/losing-weight-getting-started.aspx >. [17 November 2016]. National Health Service Choices 2014b, Calorie checker. Available from: < http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/weight-loss-guide/Pages/calorie-counting.aspx >. [17 November 2016]. National Health Service Choices 2014c, Work out how much weight you need to lose. Available from: < http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/weight-loss-guide/Pages/set-your-target-weight.aspx >. [17 November 2016]. National Health Service Choices 2014d, 12 tips to help you lose weight on the 12-week plan. Available from: < http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/weight-loss-guide/Pages/successful-diet- tips.aspx >. [17 November 2016]. National Health Service Choices 2015, BMI healthy weight calculator. Available from: < http://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Healthyweightcalculator.aspx >. [17 November 2016]. National Health Service Choices n.d., Week 1 food and activity chart. Available from: < http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/weight-loss- guide/Documents/food_activity_chart_sample.pdf >. [17 November 2016]. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 2014a, Obesity: Identification, assessment and management. Available from: < https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg189 >. [17 November 2016]. Poulter, S 2014, A record two in three women have dieted in past year, while 44% of men were among the 29 million Britons trying to slim. Available from: < http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2532602/More-half-UK-tried-lose-weight- 2013-95-women-STILL-worry-theirs-staggering-statistics-reveal.html >. [17 November 2016]. World Health Organization n.d., Nutrition. Available from: < http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/5_population_nutrient/en/index1.html >. [17 November 2016]. Appendix: Food and Activity Chart Read More

Adults should avoid a weight gain that exceeds 5 kilograms at any time of their lives. Furthermore, to ensure a healthy body weight, people should engage in physical activities. It is recommended that people engage in at least one hour of work per day for the case of moderate-intensity activity. Such exercise is important for maintaining body weight, more so, for the population with sedentary occupations.

Psychological Influences on Dieting

            A study conducted by Grossniklaus et al. (2010) indicates that there is a link between psychological distress and abdominal obesity. The goal of the study was to determine the link between dietary energy density among the overweight and the psychological factors such as depressive symptoms and perceived stress. It entailed a sample of 87 overweight working adults that went through a correlation, cross-sectional and descriptive study. The participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale and Beck Depression Inventory-II. Also, the food and beverages consumed for three days were weighed to determine the energy density. The weight and height of the participants were also measured to determine their body mass index. Data analysis was conducted using sequential regression modeling, Mann- Whitney U, and descriptive statistics. The results of the study indicated that 21.9 percent of the participants were going through depressive symptoms that explained the variance in the beverage and food energy density intake among the African-Americans and the intake of calories. The symptoms of depression affected the intake of non-alcoholic beverages and food among the African-Americans and male gender. However, perceived stress did not significantly influence the beverage and food energy density.

Spiritual Influences on Dieting

            According to Lau, Edwards, and Murthi (2010), culture and religion can influence the diet of a particular group of people. For example, Buddhism encourages vegetarianism with the inclusion of eggs and fish in the diet. Most of the Hindus are strict vegetarians with the main source of proteins being lentils and legumes. Dairy products such as yogurt, butter, and milk are included in the diet. The religion forbids the eating of beef since cow is sacred. Hindus also avoid eating eggs. Some of the Hindus may prefer eating with hands while the devout ones fast regularly as a way of promoting spiritual growth. Fasting usually takes place on Sundays and is also linked to several phases of the planets and moon. As per the Islamic communities, eating is based on faith. The community has got dietary laws known as Halal. Forbidden foods, also known as ‘Haram’ include pork and its products, shellfish, meats slaughtered not according to the Islamic rites, and the ‘Haram’ additives such as gelatine. However, some of the Muslims eat kosher meats while some of the Enteral Feeds are certified by the Halal.  The Islamic faith also avoids alcohol as a medicine or in cooking. Another main issue that affects nutritional practices among Muslims includes fasting practices. The activity takes place during the whole of the ninth month known as Ramadan. On some occasions, fasting means no consumption of fluids and food from sunrise to sunset. In the case of Judaism, shellfish, pork, and pork products are forbidden. Kosher foods are taken but must be prepared through the Jewish dietary laws. However, the birds, fish, and animals can be taken without being Koshered. Furthermore, meats are not to be prepared using milk or its derivatives. Judaism also practices fasting. Another religion is the Seventh Day Adventist Church that encourages a Lacto-Ovo vegetarian diet. The religion avoids all meat, fish, and poultry but allows consumption of dairy products and eggs. Alcohol, tea, and coffee are prohibited in the religion. The dietary practices aim to glorify and honor God. Finally, Mormons have stipulated a law that defines proper eating. It prohibits the use of beverages and caffeine while fasting is encouraged as a discipline for honoring God and self-control. 

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