Find out how the medical community defines “obesity.” What factors contribute to obesity? . What is “set point theory”? Are toxins involved? Describe how body size and homeostasis are related.
. What is “metabolism”? What does human metabolism have to do with energy balance and body
weight?
. Janine said that increasing muscle mass increases metabolism. Is she right? If so, how does this work? If
not, why not? Check a biology textbook for information on the structure of muscle cells for clues.
. Mitchell said that the herbal product “detoxifies” the body. Janine said it’s a diuretic. Find out what a
diuretic is and what effect it has on the body. How does its action affect homeostasis of fl uid balance?
. What body systems remove toxins from the body? What are “toxins,” and where do they come from?
Are all “toxins” alike? Do toxins really cause you to gain body fat or prevent you from losing weight?
. Body image and dieting go hand-in-hand. When body image is distorted, people can diet to excess.
Do you think that Mitchell has a body image problem? What further health problems can result from
a body image problem?