Metabolism and B-Vitamins

Why do weightlifters eat so much meat, when protein does not provide energy for their heavy workouts?

There are many pathways for producing energy (ATP), the ones that yield the most immediate and useful ATP are glycolytic and oxidative pathways. During glycolysis (anaerobic pathway—doesn’t use oxygen) glucose or other forms of sugar go through a series of reactions to transform glucose into pyruvate. Many reduction reactions are taking place and electrons are being transferred to an intermediate: NAD+, this intermediate is what drives rapid glycolysis and provides the electrons to the electron transport chain in order to produce ATP. Another important intermediate used during oxidative metabolism is FAD+- used during the Krebs cycle. NAD+ is composed of Niacin (a Bi-vitamin) and FAD+ is composed of riboflavin (a B-vitamin). Without proper intake of these vitamins oxidative and non-oxidative metabolism will be inhibited, and the formation of ATP will slow down. Without enough ATP to drive important physiological functions such as muscle contractions, the body will fatigue at a faster rate. Therefore it is important to consume proper amounts of B-vitamins

Vitamin B is found in high quantities in animal products—namely salmon and other fish. This is the reason for weightlifters eating all the meat! But, vitamin B is also found in dark leafy greens, legumes (peanuts), and wheat. Most red meats, along with being a complete essential protein and containing vitamin B, are high in cholesterol and hormones. So, with everything there is a good and bad. Choosing to eat a vegetarian diet would mean consuming more dark greens and specific combinations of vegetables, bean, and wheat products—which can be difficult to accommodate when your lifting weights all day at the gym. So, while eating a big steak after that workout remember that there are other ways to get your nutrients without increasing your risk of a heart attack

Rest! Rest! Rest!

With exercise the rest period is just as important as the physical intensity. Rest plays a crucial role in cognitive and skeletal muscle fiber production. The recommended amount of rest varies on the type of exercise. Rest includes: sleeping, relaxing in between sessions, and rest periods in between trials.

A good nights rest after an intense workout is necessary for muscle repair. During a heavy muscle contractions fibers are breaking down at a fast rate in order to provide energy demands for the workout. Not only are muscles breaking down, but lactic acid is building up and sleep allows the body to recuperate. Rest is important aspect of cognitive operations as well, as muscles are becoming trained the memory processes are taking place in order to remember proper coordination and stimuli. Long term memory systems require adequate sleep and rest in order to transpose symbols and thoughts into the long term memory making future workouts more beneficial. Rest periods are also important in between sets, especially during strength/power training. When we use a large amount of energy (ATP) the metabolic pathway is non-oxidative, therefore building up with lactic acid. Rest periods allow for the clearance of lactic acid and the reproduction of glucose—for the next trial.

So, next time you sleep in late, you can say that it is apart of your exercise routine!

Childhood Obesity

A reoccurring topic on obesity, is related to childhood obesity. The government has begun formulating policies to encourage children to eat healthy.

The New Hampshire Commission on Prevention of Childhood Obesity has outlined 14 policies to ensure obesity prevention. Some of these recommendations include:

• Department of Education writing rules for selling healthy foods at school
• Medicaid including nutritional counseling as a benefit for overweight children
• Fitness activities in day care, preschools, and public schools
• Children’s BMI should be measured at schools

When reading these recommendations, I’m reminiscing on my childhood and how most of these policies were in action. I don’t remember buying sodas and taco bell at school, and I remember going through the presidential fitness test every year, and my weight and height being measured often. So, when did these things begin to dissapate? At point did the school systems disregard physical education, and what was the purpose?

Perhaps in the midst of stressing out for college at 10 years old, these children and families are neglecting the development healthy lifestyles. It seems that as a society we are so eager to get ahead that we don’t take into consideration negative outcomes. And, so we end up with extreme imbalances in childhood development. Hopefully it is not too late to encourage the healthy progression of these children.

Muscle Makes You Thin

Earlier this summer I hooked my face up to a large tube and face mask and sat down for 15 minutes. This was done to examine my resting metabolic rate—how many Calories I burn at rest. The general rule of thumb is that most people expend 2,000 Cal/day, and so I thought that I would find myself in this general range. This was not the case, according to my reading I spend 1,400 Cal/day at rest, and according to another test—during my usually exercise I usually spend about 300 Cal/day, which amounts to 1,700 Cal/day (+ additional cost for the thermic effect of food). If I were to be eating 2,000 Cal/day I would gain a pound every 2 weeks. How could this be when I was at normal weight for my age and body type?

Muscle mass directly relates to your resting/basal metabolic rate. The more muscle mass the more Calories you burn just by sitting. Exemplified in the following equation:

BMR/RMR (kcal/day)= (Fat free mass in kg) x 30 kcals/kg FFM/day

So, although my weight was at normal range, because I was about 25% fat, I wasn’t burning as many Calories at rest. Over the summer I began training with a weight lifter to increase my lean muscle mass. After 3 months of weight lifting I had decreased my fat mass (to about 22%) and increased my fat free mass. Last week I took another resting metabolic rate reading and was happy to report that my reading increased to 1,598 Cal/day at rest. Now I can sleep more and not feel guilty about working out every second of the day!

I Feel Your Pain...

What is the deal with the incongruence of exercise and weight loss? After 4 months of training as a spin and yoga instructor I’m left feeling dissatisfied with the number on the scale. It keeps going up! How could this be when I’m working out so much?

I’m sure this has happened to many of you trying desperately to loose weight via excessive exercise. The problem here is that exercise isn’t the key to weight loss, counting Calories are. When I had begun training I began eating more, thinking “well if I’m burning more Calories then I can eat more.” Generally this is correct, if you don’t want to loose any weight. But, in order to have a negative net Caloric intake at the end of the day you still have to eat less. Also, it is important to note that with intense exercise muscles are going to have a lot of damage, and without proper rest periods for muscles to rebuild the body begins retaining water and desiring more food (especially high in fat) to maintain energy needs.

Currently I’m in the process of trying to consume less calories while exercising, which feels like death. So, what is to be done? My professor suggests eating much more fruits and vegetables. These kinds of foods are bulky, and therefore filling, without adding additional fat to your midsection. Although, this sounds like the perfect solution I’m currently dying for a large steak!

The Dual Training Experience

The new gym emergence in Los Angeles has transitioned from fully equipped 3 level gyms to single or double room dual-training systems. With each new system promising that their combination of strength training and endurance provides all the elements of a total workout. Some popular combinations include:

• Tredmill running and weight lifting (Barry’s Bootcamp)
• Pilates and Spinning (Pilates Plus)
• Yoga and Spinning (YAS)

Having tried all above combinations, I have to admit that I’m a converted dual-trainer! I began with Barry’s Bootcamp in 2007, after being coerced by Brittany Carson (a trainer at Barry’s). My first response was “you want me to pay $15 to run on a tredmill and lift weights which I can do at the gym…?” But after just a 1-hour session, the benefits of working out in a class setting with a trainer exceeded any 1-hour session at Bally’s. I began going about 4 to 5 times a week, and was noticing changes in just 1 month. Not only was I working harder in each class with the aide of the trainer, I was more compelled to go to class because of the familiar faces, and the commitment I had made to specific trainers. I thought this was all I needed. But, after about 4-5 months boredom started to creep in, and I was yearning for something more exciting. So, I tried Pilates Plus, and then YAS. My favorite combo is Yoga and Spin, at YAS I have found “my place” it’s a perfect balance for me, and over the last year it is the one combo that has kept me stimulated.

The Magic of Interval Training

Training programs should be specific to an individuals goals, needs, and preference. Otherwise the trainee could be left feeling unsatisfied and bored. One of the biggest reasons for dropping a new exercise regime is due to the inability to motivate oneself to endure the same old routine. For this reason, I recommend interval training.

Interval training has many models, which can be demonstrated during a single session or a weekly cycle. I find that when I use interval training with in sessions I am able to maintain persistency. For instance: I’m not much of a runner, and I often get bored jogging at the same speed for a long duration. So I end up quitting after about 15-20min. But, when I add in short sprints and up-hill running I’m able to sustain my cardio workout for up to an hour. How does this work? (book) explains the benefits of interval training—by giving the person many small attainable goals rather than one large goal. This way the performer can focus on reaching one goal at a time, and the success of each goal motivates the performer to excel at the next task. To relate this to my jogging example: the success of finishing a sprint compels me to complete the up-hill running which then motivates me to complete the next mile and so on. Whereas with straight-forward-flat-surface jogging, my goal is too long and I have nothing to motivate my completion.

Another important aspect of interval training is intensity. General guidelines assist in designing the intensity program specific for the individual, these guidelines are based on heart rate. Measuring predicted max heart rate is quite simple:

HR_max=220-age

Using this formula you can figure out your max heart rate then base your intensity by your heart rate. With endurance training, you would want your heart rate high (about 70-85% max) and with fat burning you would want your heart rate slower (50-60%). Intensity is used in order to determine cardio training and metabolic pathways. The level of intensity is the signal for determining how much energy is needed: with high levels of exertion more ATP is needed and thus the body will take the metabolic pathway that will create the most ATP in the shortest amount of time (glycolytic pathways). As oppose to low intensity workout, where a smaller amount of ATP is needed, so the body will use the pathway that creates enough ATP without having to go as rapid (beta oxidation: fat metabolism). So, if you want to burn carbohydrates it’s best to go with a high intensity endurance workout, and if you want to burn fat low intensity endurance workout is best.

Why is it important to understand metabolic pathways, and how is this relevant to interval training?

Well, much like most of you I want to burn fat and carbohydrates without having to walk for 4 hours or sprint for 3 miles. Interval training allows you to get the best of both worlds. So, with the exercise program I designed above allows me to not only sustain the workout, but I’m using both carbohydrates and fats as a source of energy—and burning them away!

Cholesterol. Cholesterol… Cholesterol!

What exactly does the number next to the words “total cholesterol” on your blood test really mean?

This number is a density reading, it displays the milligrams of lipoproteins per deciliter of blood. A non-specific, but reliable way to identify cholesterol related issues, such as heart disease—as we all know. As heart disease continues to rise in the US, scientists have been developing a better way of identifying cholesterol related issues. It is now common to not only identify the density of the lipoproteins, but also the particle size. Particle size is an important factor in understanding the function of the lipoproteins. The smaller the particle the more detrimental the lipoprotein; as the particle size decreases its ability to wedge into the inner lining of blood vessels increases. As a result of this information some blood screenings are incorporating the particle size measurements.

How does this effect the US perspective on cholesterol and heart disease?

As a result some are completely ignoring there total cholesterol readings and focusing only on particle size, which is only half of the equation. Our friend Jimmy Moore shares his opinion on this topic while openly displaying his lipoprotein reading:

Total Cholesterol 351


LDL-C 278


HDL-C 57


Triglycerides 79


LDL Particle Number 2130


Small LDL-P 535


LDL Part. Size 22.0


Large HDL-P 10.9


Large VLDL-P 0.4

Before dissecting Moore’s results, we should all commend him on his bravery for using himself as an example. And so, as shown his total cholesterol is well above the recommended range of below 200, and his low-density lipoproteins are well above any health standard. But, Jimmy Moore is not concerned, because the size of his LDL’s are large, and his triglycerides to high-density lipoproteins ratio is in the norm.

Although the above evidence supports Moore’s reaction—by focusing his attention towards the particle size and not at density—is it safe to say that he is free from potential arthrosclerosis? Even if we were to say that only smaller LDL’s contribute to heart disease, wouldn’t by increasing total cholesterol (which is a result of consuming a high cholesterol diet) increase the chances of producing more small LDL’s? And even if the smaller LDL’s are the only particles that can become embedded in arterial walls the larger LDL’s are going to contribute to the overall size of the clot as it continues to grow and trap more particles to the sides of the wall. Not to mention that the chemical make-up (steroid) of LDL’s—large and small—is what allows these lipoproteins to have the potential to stick. So, while chances of smaller LDLs sticking to the arterial walls are greater it doesn’t completely eliminate the potential for the larger ones to have the same effect.

In the end, as with most things, balance is key to the equation. Keeping cholesterol density low and the particle size high is going to be the best formula.

How is this accomplished?

The cholesterol made in the body is specific to the individual and sets the baseline, and it is very difficult to manipulate how much cholesterol the body makes naturally. What we can manipulate is total cholesterol, the ratio of HDLs to LDLs, and particle size. Cholesterol is found in animal products, and is higher in red meats, shellfish, and albumin (egg yolk). And, so total cholesterol can be managed easily through diet. In order to keep your HDLs high and your LDLs low exercise is the best prescription. Research has shown that low-moderate aerobic exercise will increase HDLs, and it is recommended to exercise 3-4 times a week for about 40 minutes a session. HDLs will increase and the LDLs will decrease as the cholesterol continues to recycle in the liver in a consistently exercising individual. Although research is relatively new, particle size has been shown to increase with a low carbohydrate diet. And, one theorist suggests a high fat diet to increase particle size, but no scientific evidence shows significant data supporting this theory.

Fitness and Motor Coordination

Every Friday my team of exercise science and physical therapy students head over to the local Boys and Girls Club to collect fitness data and to teach children ages 8-12 how to use a treadmill. Upon entering the club the children line up to have their turn on the treadmill with much enthusiasm, while they discover the dynamics of walking on a moving surface. Surprisingly, in these early stages our data has yet to form any distinct fitness trends related to body type. Before any experimentation had taken place, my initial assumption was that the older children were going to be able to maintain the endurance demands better than the younger ones, but the data did not show any significant evidence supporting this hypothesis. So, I then began asking more questions about the types of sports each child participated in and what their practice schedules were like. And, I began noticing that the children with athletic lifestyles were able to coordinate their posture on the treadmill better than the ones that did not participate in sport. Through this observation I began hypothesizing that the children with more athletic backgrounds were able to use less energy on the treadmill because of their ability to maintain the proper coordination pattern, which would lead to high fitness levels. Based on our data, this hypothesis has significance. Building on this hypothesis, my next assumption is that the assessment of children’s fitness levels could be inferred by their level of motor coordination, which could assist in identifying future fitness related illness—such as hypokinematic disease (disease related to sedentary lifestyle).

The next, and the current step I’m indulging in, is to research data that supports or disproves my hypothesis. Unfortunately, many of the articles I am finding have little to do with assessing coordination patterns as a precursor to sedentary-lifestyle diseases. Although, relevant research has been debating about the relationship between children with underdeveloped coordination and obesity. Some theorize, that the insecurities developed by lack of coordination inhibit these individual’s athletic aspirations, while others theorize that other personality traits (such as laziness) are the cause for the absence physical activity leading to underdeveloped coordination. So, the question remains: is lack of coordination due to lack of physical activity, or is a lack of physical activity due to underdeveloped coordination?

Based on my personal experience and brief observation, I lean towards the thought that coordination is developed through physical activity. Which opposes the thought that those with high coordination are drawn to physical activity. The unsettlement of this question propels me to inquire more information from personal testimonies. So, what do you think of this trend?

Meal Plan Diets

When starting a new weight-loss regime most people, myself included, are confused as to how, what, and when to eat. Often with the impatient desire to lose weight people turn to fad diets, leading to immediate satisfaction followed by weight instability. Thus, the more accepted philosophy is to "change ones dietary lifestyle," but what does this exactly entail...

As a kinesiology student, I have dedicated a large portion of my education to diet, from the perspective of: biochemistry, cellular biology, macro/mico nutrition, body composition, and personal training. Allowing me to understand a proper "dietary lifestyle.” BUT... who has time for all that studying just to learn how and what to eat in order to be healthy. And, so my question is what is the most efficient and beneficial way to understand dietary needs?

Currently I’m questioning the “answer to our prayers” methodology of Nutri-system. I commend the philosophy of meal-planning as a way to be aware of nutritional consumption. But, how exactly does this system interpret the nutrient and caloric needs of every individual? I'm not personally familiar with the system, but after viewing the website I only found meal plans based on personal preference and general medical needs. Leaving out key individual components such as: blood type, cholesterol, glucose levels, dealing with and/or preventing osteoporosis, diabetes, and a number of other diseases. With so many individual provisions my skepticism lies in the adequacy in meeting all needs. Although without any actual individual feedback or experience in the intake process, my knowledge is limited and judgment impaired. So, for those of you partaking in this system please let me know the thoroughness of the medical intake process.

Not only am I wary of the intake procedures, I’m also skeptical of the post-system results. During a time of dieting it is often witnessed that once the initial weight problem diminishes weight has a way of integrating back into the equation. It would seem that if food is given to these individuals on a daily basis, and then suddenly food supply ceases, these people would resort to old eating habits. Similar to the concept: “give a man a fish and he can eat for a day, but teach a man to fish and he can eat for a lifetime.” So, how do they allow “a man to eat for a lifetime,” if they are giving all the fish? Is the teaching inferred through demonstration: the presentation of the packaged food demonstrates the proper portion and types of foods to be eaten? Or is there another more “book” process involved?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to disprove this system. In fact I think it is one of the better weight loss programs out there. And, that is why I’m questioning…

Social Bookmarking Soulmate

Chriscvnv is a health conscientious bookmarketer located on diigo.com. He is interested in exercise and health related activities, such as yoga. Common tags include: exercise, workout, yoga, meditation, wellness, health, how to, and lifehacks. Chriscvnv seems to tag often in a selected amount of time then will stop for a few months, for example he was tagging new sites about once a day in March then abruptly stopped till July. Currently he holds 115 tagged sites. He often tags from the site madcityyoga.com, and tags sites that are related to the benefits of specific types of yoga: bikram, hatha, power, etc. Most tags do not come with any comment, but sites often have more than 1 tag. His organization is divided up into general and specific topics: the tag "exercise" encompasses everything that mentions exercise, then within that group he divides the sites into: "how to," "training," "meditation," and "yoga." Most tags do not have comments, and about 10 have brief comments of short descriptions on the article.

Chriscvn began his relationship with diigo in December of 2007. Almost 2 years ago he seemed to be primarily interested in the types of methods for living a healthy lifestyles that encompasses the physical and psychological realm. Many of these early sites he tagged are entitled: "What is Hatha Yoga," "Explain Bikram Yoga," and "Learning Yoga, Reasons to Get Involved." Which most likely reflects his inexperience in Yoga, or is desire to become more serious about his health or exercise regime. As the months continue he begins tagging sites that are focused on the benefits of yoga, and the different types of teaching methods. This reveals his strong interest in yoga as possibly a career choice.

One site he tages is: http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/beginnersguide/yogabenefits.asp. This site explains the health benefits of yoga from a biological viewpoint. It outlines the ability to decrease CVD, increase immunity, loose weight, regulate respiratory efficiency, and many other improvements from practicing yoga. What I find pertinent to this site is that not only does it encompass the "fou fou" stress relief factors of yoga, but it also breaks it down to the physiological and biological essence of the practice, to obtain an objective and precise understanding of the practice from a logical perspective. This site also has links to other sites with similar health descriptions, and pose breakdowns.

Another site Chriscvnv tagged is: http://www.ehow.com/how_2044401_start-daily-exercise-routine.html. This site was one his first tags, and is an informative site to get started on a exercise plan. It contains step-by-step guides of how to get started, many exercise options, goals, and links. This site has the option to become a member and engage in conversation on how-to topics, such as exercise. This site also touches on other topics, such as gardening, fashion, and technology.

These sites, plus others that Chricvnv has tagged, are resources to bloggers interested in improving their health, in fun and relaxing ways. These sites give an alternate method to the stressful aspect of loosing weight and decreasing health risks, by describing lifestyle choices that are attainable and desirable.

Trifecta

Hello
The Crisis that has swept the nation has moved from the threats of our lives by terrorist attacks to threats on our dietary freedom. While some are arguing that those leading unhealthy lifestyle (as determined by body fat percentages) should be paying more taxes and higher deductibles, others are claiming that obesity isn't a choice and therefore not punishable. These contrasting opinions are forming a segregation between the "fat" and "thin" with little or skewed scientific evidence.


Recently Gary Taubes, writer for the New York Times, wrote an article entitled "Health Warning: Exercise Makes You Fat;" the exact statement those sitting on their couch eating McDonalds want to hear. This article encompasses the ideals, values, and current increasing CVD (cardiovascular disease) statics of the future. Modern research on obesity isn't guiding the public any better with it's tendency to promote the predisposition theory; obesity as a genetic disease a biological factor unrelated to lifestyle. Is there some evidence to these arguments on exercise and genetics or are these ideas being embraced in order to support a guilt free conscious while eating a 2,500 Cal snack at Wendy's? While adhering to these theories might decrease the feeling of guilt about that unhealthy snack allowing for better digestion, which may or may not effect the caloric intake, it is still apparent that those consistently waiting in line at Jack in the Box tend to have larger girth circumferences than those partaking in a veggie salad.

Working in health care has increased my exposure to the lack of knowledge of health circulating through the general public. After hearing excuse after excuse about family history, environmental issues, or any condition in which nobody seems to have any control over as a reason for their current seek in health care makes one a little insensitive to the fact that people are actually following the advice of Taubes. After 5 years of working in physical therapy, I have seen a clear distinction between those that practice proper body awareness and diet and those incapable of performing exercise and how this directly relates to their recovery, future accidents or health problems, and their return rate to physical therapy. It's time to put down the Cheetos, pick up the carrots, and check in with reality.

To support the aversion of Taubes and the likes I have dedicated time to seeking the disconnect between the fit and the obese. During the next few months I will be collecting exercise data from obese children high in risk for type II diabetes, heart disease, and possible fatalities. In attempts to discover: what is so difficult about working out and eating right? And in the meantime, continuing to research studies on the topic of weight loss, by those positively and actively knowledgeable on the subject contrary to those encouraging laziness and excuses for the overweight.

Future topics will include: determining body composition (techniques, fat percentages, and theories), health issues related to obesity, scientific and social theories on obesity, the biochemistry of diet and exercise, current events and politics of health and health care, and new discoveries related to obesity and fitness.



Profile

Retro pink, black, and grey polka dots clashing with a distorted Betty Crocker animation introduce the next Martha Stewart of weight-loss. As a career blogger Melting Mama (MM), also known as Beth, unclothes the real world of bariatric surgery. MM's stay-at-home-mom lifestyle attributes to her success in the blogoshpere, and the 30+ "body loving" advertisements framing her posts are helping to support her family of 6. MM writes with a straight forward outlook, which is apparent in her self-examination of her youthful choices: I attended an accelerated night program for adults at a local college and decided very quickly that I was not an adult, I was seventeen years old and quit when I found out I WAS actually an adult and pregnant. Yes, boys and girls, hindsight is, go to college and finish it, because it's very hard to do when you're 30. Without "formal education" MM's source of research comes from her personal struggles with weight loss and GI bypass surgery. Upon discovering and coping with low blood sugar and resulting epilepsy due to her surgery MM is dedicated to fiercely developing a career in weight control and health prevention, and is striving this goal by unlocking her cynicism on health standards. In comparison to my blog, MM presents a contrasting angle on the subject of weight loss that has the potential to facilitate a diverse prehension towards my research and research subjects. She does so by refining the struggles of extreme weight loss without the inevitable defensive excuses and pity-party tone. This voice is noticeable in the post titled Ch-ch-ch-changes where MM describes how she conquers her struggling inner voice in a comedic dialogue between her and herself. I can change. There's no reason I can't, frankly, I am just stubborn and lazy. it is EASY to just be lazy. Lazy is okay, but it shows on my ass. My fear is that I will continue to stay in this pattern of lackadaisical eating and movement and it will catch with me. "But, Beth, maybe your body wants to be this size?" No, It doesn't, because the moment I get serious about (Uh-oh! Impeding Susan Powter Moment!) eating, drinking, breathing, and moving, my body shrinks. But when I'm you know, la-dee dah, have a protein shake, have some pizza, have a salad, have a bar, have a, waffle? I gain fat. I'm not gaining muscle, I'm not gaining water, I'm not pregnant. I AM FAT. You get that? ... Even with statements such as "lazy is okay" my acquiescence with MM's context is due to her ability in identifying valuable research. In the post Weight Loss Surgery a Magic Bullet? MM references Sharon K. Farber, PhD to shine some light on the implications of bariatric suregery: There isn't any magic. What I have and what the bariatric surgeons have are tools for helping people who eat far too much to modulate their eating. These tools are not magic. The weight loss industry has always profited from people's desperation to lose weight. When Weight Loss Surgery is presented as the only viable solution for obestiy, as is so often the case, this preys upon the sense of desperation that so many obese people have. MM's choice in quotations are clearly understandable and generally-specific to reach the souls of many obese people. Hesitated appraisal is acknowledged due to her limited analysis and little or no description or inquiry about her research, which may or may not be a result of her lack of academia on the topic. On the other hand her posts acquire depth by providing opposing theories made by conflicting scientists', making her statements unbiased and objective. Another appealing aspect of MM's blog is that it provides a "safe house" for people considering bariatric surgery to learn about the first hand risks and contributions from a detailed and revealing person without exposing their identities to the judgmental eye (such as myself). Another MM post entitled "Who Says Americans Are Too Fat? Overselling the obesity epidemic isn't getting us anywhere. You can be big and healthy at the same time," is one of her more controversial blogs. The title suggests that MM is encouraging obesity/fatness, or applauding a new fad of the "healthy fat." She opens with brief evidence on the non-health-risk theory of obesity, as stated, It's hardly clear that there actually is an obesity epidemic, or that fat people are at greater risk of death than people of normal weight, or that weight loss-relentlessly promoted by public-health officials as the solution to America's weight problem- is an attainable goal at all. Her opening argument has the ability to drive readers of weight managed lifestyles or of any background in biology or physiology away. Enduring on she mentions US statistics and some fun-facts on obesity: A 2008 study out of Denmark found that patients with BMI indexes in the overweight and moderately obese categories who had been admitted to an ICU for heart failure did not have higher mortality rates than regular weight patients and actually fared better than underweight ones. Yay! It's good to be fat!... Wait-a-minute, why were these obese people having heart failure in the first place? Uhh... carrying on, MM recapitulates on the overly talked about issue of the failures of dieting... exciting, exciting. Well, the only readers that MM would have kept this far into the post are the ones standing on this line of reason (hint hint... the fat ones). And maybe these are the readers that she wants to capture... Because of her surprising conclusion: The problem with dieting is that it is focused on the elusive goal of weight loss. A promising new approach- shifts the emphasis from the body weight to overall health... Americans are fatter than ever, and that isn't healthy. But, hyping an obesity epidemic and stigmatizing people with big bellies hasn't made us any thinner and doesn't appear to have gotten us any healthier. The sooner we learn to look past the fat and focus on health, the sooner we will be able to effectively combat all the obesity-linked ailments we fear so much. This resolution is a new, effective, and comforting tactic; instead of scaring people into becoming healthy maybe trying to sell them on a lifestyle they are missing out on will have better results. She might make some daffy comments, but MM does make an effective case. Voice "NO CARBS! PROTEIN... PROTEIN!" would be the slogan from a demonstration led by Jimmy Moore. While Livin La-Vida Low Carb, Jimmy strives to debunk the anit-Atkins diet movement, by supplying evidence of his personal success of weight loss via The Adkins Diet, as written in "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution." Through his transformation Jimmy inspires his readers by making a declaration to never being able to fit into these pants again (------->) Jimmy's success in the weight loss industry can be attributed to his humorous self-empowering voice, illustrated in a confession written in the post A Crazed Reader: What's With Your Obsession With This Fad' Low Carb Diet?: My "obsession" with livin' la vida low-carb did not encourage me to "be even lazier." What it did was free me from the bondage of thinking that the only way I could eat to be healthy was a nasty low-fat, low-calorie diet. If that works for you, then I'm happy you found a plan that enables you to find enjoyment and satisfaction consuming a vegetarian diet... But eating like that would not be sustainable for people like me and a large majority of my readers because we would be miserable. Low-carb living has given us a long-term solution to our weight and health problems. Cheer! Cheer! Jimmy's response gives the impression that he was a motivational speaker in a past life. His usage of positive conventional terms like "long-term solution" and precarious descriptions such as "bondage" excites and provokes his audience. Thus leaving the reader feeling energized and wanting more! In a recent blog titled: "We Don't Have A Health Care Crisis In America; We Have a Preventative Disease Epidemic That Low-Carb Can Cure" Jimmy uses the irony of the "health care reform" movement as humor to support his theory on individualized health care, as captured below: And States: Although a segment of the population believes in the libertarian principle that they should be able to eat and drink however they choose to without anyone telling them differently, the reality is those are the very people who have rationalized that their actions aren’t really harming anyone but themselves. The wittiness in Jimmy's reply is established by using the the same principle (libertarian principle) that the people he is arguing against use to exploit their hypocrisy. His word choice of "the reality" further describes how out of touch with reality these people are. And incase his point went over your head, Jimmy breaks it down in the posts closing argument, You have a right to choose NOT to eat healthy, but you do not have a right to expect others to pay for your declining health that is sure to come as a result. Is it asking too much for people to be more responsible for their individual choices? The emphasized "NOT" appears frequently in descriptions of eating healthy as oppose to NOT eating healthy. His caps lock choice might be a way of saying there is no argument to what is healthy and what is NOT healthy; there is a distinct factual line, which is unarguable and should be recognized. To finish his argument Jimmy uses a reflective question, possible as a tactic for encouraging others to comment or as a foreshadow of blogs to come. Either way, it keeps the reader engaged and questioning. As a devout Atkins' dieter, Jimmy enjoys his meat, and sees nothing wrong with that! In another post titled: Fun-Filled Friday: Christine Sick, Vegan Humor, Mercy For Animals, Turkey Roll, Cell Phone Karma, And Funerals Jimmy abruptly points out a relationships between anti-abortionists and animal rights activists. After showing a video about the slaughtering methods of baby chickens, he declares: It’s amazing how much concern is dramatized in this video about the “pain” there is with these chickens and yet you never hear the vegans expressing the same kind of outrage at the genuine pain and "killing" that happens with the life of an unborn baby during an abortion. There's such a double standard with this issue that you can't help but notice the hypocrisy. This is one way of putting it...? After watching the 5 min video, of the standard procedure of chicken harvesting with minimal voice over describing the events occurring, one would hardly call it "dramatizing." Jimmy seems to be the dramatic one when it comes to this issue. Although his analogy has some validity he uses the harsh words such as: pain, killing, and outrage, to get his point across. His opinion is voiced by using the vague word "pain" when describing the actions taking place on the chickens as oppose to the gruesomely descriptive word "killing" to describe the happenings of an abortion. I also enjoy his choice of establishing an article before the word vegans; "the vegans" as in "the gays" or "the blacks," further questioning his motive. Is he just fighting for a world of healthy eating consisting of meat, or a world of conformed politics where everyone eats chickens and has 16 children? With scattered thoughts and opinions all supposing to revolved around health, it is hard to say if Jimmy Moore's Livin' La Vida Low-Carb lifestyle is worth adhering to. One thing is apparent: Jimmy is successful at capitalizing on his pre-obesity bad judgments and Dr. Atkin's diet plan.

Body Composition Analysis

In a world full exemptions following or knowing the standard can be difficult. Particularly when it comes to dealing with weight or health, it seems that the exemptions have become the rule. For example, amongst those exempted people it's often the case that a gland disorder or muscular density is to blame for excess weight and the healthy weight guideline is either ignored or unknown. We all know that the US has the highest percentage of obesity IN THE WORLD, and still there is confusion about weight classification and how it pertains to health. It's not to say that this is to blame solely on the individual, but there definitely seems to be a disconnect between weight/health standards and acknowledging ones classification. So, lets break it down.

The most general tool in identifying weight class is the concept of BMI (body mass index). This is a simple classification that uses the variables of height and weight:

BMI= weight(Kg)/ height(m) x height(m), and the result can be identified in a weight category. For a general rule BMI is useful, the most complaints with BMI is that it doesn't take into account frame size or muscle abundance. So for example athletes are often placed in the overweight or obese category, because muscle does weigh more than fat. BUT, this exemption is for the elite athlete and should not to be used freely.

A more concrete tool for understanding weight class and body composition is body fat percentage. There are 3 main mechanisms for calculating fat percentage: bioelectrical impedance, hydrostatic weighing, and skinfold. Because all 3 of these procedures require specific equipment most people are unable to use this mechanism, and therefor make assumptions of having lower fat percentages and concluding to have higher muscle mass which thus leads to their excess weight. Also, there are slight discrepancies between procedures which can vary the fat percentage by 2-4%. BUT, I think it's safe to say that if you are in the 40% body fat range a variation of 4% makes little different.

The most useful and realistic tool for identifying body composition is a mechanism taught and honed by Dr Girandola; the mirror test. The procedure is as follows: walk up to a mirror, face it frontwards, sideways, and any other angle, and if you look fat... then you probable are. This is not to be insensitive, but the reality of assessing the body comes from the individual and cannot depend on books, taxonomy's, or theories.

Therefore, by applying and taking averages of these tests and mechanisms it should be relatively easy for someone to identify their weight class. So why are people still so confused?

...

The US has a high concentration of scientific research that are accompanied by many theories about weightloss and health. So, it is difficult to assess ones own health class or the standard with all the exemptions that are not easily detected. What is comes down to is that if you are healthy then you are probably at a normal weight range. Determining health is a simpler approach than trying to analyze weight standards. An easy way would be getting a physical, blood test, or observing your illness rate, energy level, and cardiovascular endurance.

The Voice of Jimmy Moore

Jimmy Moore's blog is an attempt to debunk the anit-Atkins diet movement. He does so by supplying evidence of his personal success of weight loss via The Adkins Diet, as written in "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution" book. Where he discovers the low carb way of life as a philosophy for better health. Through his transformation, Jimmy has not only analyzed the health care crisis as a result of personal "bad lifestyle choices in which individuals should be penalized for, but he has also made a living selling books, you-tubing, and blogging on his experiences.

In a recent blog titled: "We Don't Have A Health Care Crisis In America; We Have a Preventative Disease Epidemic That Low-Carb Can Cure" Jimmy uses the irony of the "health care reform" movement as humor to support his theory on individualized health care:

And states:

Although a segment of the
population believes in the libertarian principle that they should be able to eat and drink however they choose to without anyone telling them differently, the reality is those are
the very people who have rationalized that their actions aren’t really harming anyone but themselves.

The wittiness in Jimmy's reply is established by using the the same principle (libertarian principle) that the people he is arguing against use to exploit their hypocrisy. His word choice of "the reality" further describes how out of touch with the reality these people are. The posts closing argument states:

You have a right to choose NOT to eat healthy, but you do not have a right to expect others to pay for your declining health that is sure to come as a result. Is it asking too much for people to be more responsible for their individual choices?

Jimmy chooses to emphasize the word "NOT" in many other sentences that describe eating healthy as oppose to NOT eating healthy. His caps lock choice might be a way of saying there is no argument to what is healthy and what is NOT healthy; there is a distinct factual line between healthy and unhealthy which is unarguable and should be recognized. He then ends with a reflective question instead of a statement. This could be a tactic for encouraging others to comment, or as a foreshadow of blogs to come. Either way, it keeps the reader engaged and questioning.

As a devout Atkins' dieter, Jimmy enjoys his meat. And sees nothing wrong with that! In another post titled: Fun-Filled Friday: Christine Sick, Vegan Humor, Mercy For Animals, Turkey Roll, Cell Phone Karma, And Funerals Jimmy abruptly points out a relationships between anti-abortionists and animal rights activists. After showing a video about the slaughtering methods of baby chickens, he declares:

It’s amazing how much concern is dramatized in this video about the “pain” there is with these chickens and yet you never hear the vegans expressing the same kind of outrage at the genuine pain and "killing" that happens with the life of an unborn baby during an
abortion. There's such a double standard with this issue that you ca't help but notice the hypocrisy.

This is one way of putting it...?

After watching the 5 min video, of the standard procedure of chicken harvesting with minimal voice over describing the events occurring, one would hardly call it "dramatizing." Jimmy seems to be the dramatic one when it comes to this issue. Although his analogy has some validity he uses the harsh words such as: pain, killing, and outrage, to get his point across. His opinion is voiced by using the word "pain" when describing the actions taking place on the chickens as oppose to the word "killing" to describe the happenings of an abortion. I also enjoy his choice of putting an article before the word vegans; "the vegans" as in "the gays" or "the blacks," further questioning his motive. Is he just fighting for a world of healthy eating consisting of meat, or a world of conformed politics where everyone eats chickens and has 16 children?

With his scattered thoughts and opinions, all supposing to revolved around health it is hard to say if Jimmy Moore's Livin' La Vida Low-Carb lifestyle is worth adhering to. Regardless of motive Jimmy is successful at capitalizing on his pre-obesity bad judgements and Dr. Atkin's diet plan.

Profile Post

Melting Mama, also known as Beth, is a career blogger. She writes about weightloss, primarily as it relates to bariatric surgery. This site has been well thought out from the design, titles, aesthetics, and advertisers. Melting Mama has about 50 advertisements all related to healthy eating, which is currently supporting her family of 6, as stated Writing this blog has helped my family immensely, allowing me to provide income as an at-home parent, and while "disabled." She does not have any credentials related to her work, nor is she a college graduate. But, her source of research comes from her personal struggles with weight-loss and GI bypass surgery. As she is discovering and coping with low blood sugar, and resulting epilepsy she is trying to develop a career in weight control and health prevention. Melting Mama writes about 3 times a week, and I'm assuming during the times in between carrying out extensive research which she quotes regularly in her posts. Melting Mama's blog provides an extreme and personal perspective of weight management that I cannot relate too. So, I can foresee her experience as assisting me in my personal research and tactics of expressing my thoughts in a more balanced manner. Her posts prove that she is capable of finding and identifying valuable research, but her lack of academia limits her analysis. Most of her research is hearsay or general quotes from renowned scientists. But, by providing contrasting theories made by conflicting scientists' makes her posts and statements strong. What makes her blog appealing is that it provides a safe place for people considering bariatric surgery to learn about the risks and contributions from a detailed and revealing person. From her comments I would assume that a large portion of her audience is from people struggling with the need to loose significant amounts of weight. One post entitled "Who Says Americans Are Too Fat? Overselling the obesity epidemic isn't getting us anywhere. You can be big and healthy at the same time;" is one of her more controversial blogs. The title suggests that Melting Mama is encouraging obesity or "fatness," or at least providing a new theory about how being fat is healthy. The first half of the blog describes evidence of how obesity isn't as much of a health risk as we (Americans) think, then she comments on the other side of the argument about cardiovascular health and statistics. She finishes the statement by revealing her opinions on failed weightloss treatments and diets. But, what she concludes is that it's clear that Americans are getting fatter but weight isn't the issue, unhealthy choices are the issue. So, instead of focusing on weight and obesity as a health risk, we should focus on unhealthy choices as a health risk. To get people off the weight-goal oriented health kicks, and into permanently changing habits. Which I found to be a new and comforting tactic; instead of scaring people into becoming healthy maybe trying to sell them on a lifestyle they are missing out on. Another Melting Mama's blog titled "You're not losing weight, you're losing water and muscle," is a more sarcastic and direct post. She clearly states what is needed to lose weight, "The general rule to follow is 1 gram of weight loss for every reduction of 7 calories needed to maintain existing weight." And she delves into the reasoning of caloric balance without sugar coating anything: PLEASE NOTE: If a person takes in less calories a day than is needed to maintain his or her existing weight, and does not take in adequate protein, the overall weight loss does not mean that only fat is being lost. On the contrary, the body will first lose retained water (about half the total weight lost the first 3 weeks is water), and then the body will lose muscle. Fat loss will be last. Although, her directness is appealing for those who understand the theory, it might be more complicated for someone who is trying to learn this concept. This post is not one of her more active posts, probably for this reason. People don't want to feel stupid, but at least she is stating the facts. http://www.meltingmama.net/wls/2009/08/who-says-americans-are-too-fat-overselling-the-obesity-epidemic-isnt-getting-us-anywhere-you-can-be-.html

Hello

Society in the US has been based on being able to congregate and exercise freedom through communicative contact based forums. As these forums change, via electronic developments, people are able to communicate on a global level. The extensive ability to communicate can encourage or shun productive analysis, and thus leaves the speaker perplexed with the ultimate question of what is the purpose and how does this get accomplished? Blogging has become the solution for many by enabling productive discussion, unless discussion is corrupted by ulterior motives. So, what are the motives that enhance productivity? Some are encouraged by the theory of sharing of ideas to cultivate understanding, while others are driven to blog to expose internal rants and anonymously "eavesdrop" on friends and foes which could eventually lead to something significant. Since there is usually more than one answer to any problem compiling and reviewing a variety of perspectives is necessary for resolution, and thus blogging is the appropriate course of action. Therefor the purpose of my blog is join the investigation of the topic of weight-loss.

The "health care crisis" has encouraged new studies and theories on the topic of health and the criteria for being healthy. While some are arguing that those leading unhealthy lifestyle (as determined by body fat percentages) should be paying more taxes and higher deductibles, others are claiming that obesity isn't a choice and therefore not punishable. These contrasting opinions are forming a segregation between the "fat" and "thin" with little or skewed scientific evidence.

Recently Gary Taubes, writer for the New York Times, wrote an article entitled "Health Warning: Exercise Makes You Fat;" the exact statement those sitting on their couch eating McDonalds want to hear. This article encompasses the ideals, values, and current increasing CVD statics of the future. As seen by new research on obesity in the US, which are now heavily influenced by the predisposition theory; obesity as a genetic disease a biological factor unrelated to lifestyle. Those endorsing this theory are also embracing Taubes's thoughts on exercise as an opposing weight-loss mechanism. Is there some evidence to these arguments on exercise and genetics or are these ideas being embraced in order to support a guilt free conscious while eating a 2,500 Cal snack at Wendy's? Although feeling less guilty about that unhealthy snack might decrease some stress allowing for better digestion, which may or may not effect the caloric intake, it is still apparent that those consistently waiting in line at Jack in the Box tend to have larger girth circumferences than those partaking in a veggie salad. And, the last time I was watching the Olympics I don't think anyone of the medalist had more than 12% body fat.

Working in health care has increased my exposure to the lack of knowledge on health circulating through the general public. After hearing excuse after excuse about family history, environmental issues, or any condition in which nobody seems to have any control over as a reason for their current seek in health care makes one a little insensitive to the fact that people are actually following the advice of Taubes. After 5 years working in physical therapy, I have seen a clear distinction between those that practice proper body awareness and diet and those incapable of performing exercise and how this directly relates to their recovery, future accidents or health problems, and their return rate to physical therapy. It's time to put down the Cheetos, pick up the carrots, and check in with reality.

Instead of tending to my usual work in fitness and physical therapy, I have dedicated time to seeking the disconnect between the fit and the obese. So, I will be spending most of time with obese children; high in risk for type II diabetes, heart disease, and possible fatalities. In attempts to discover: what is so difficult about working out and eating right? And in the meantime, continuing to research studies on the topic of weight-loss, by those positively and actively knowledgeable on the subject as opposed to those encouraging laziness and excuses for the overweight.

Future topics will include: determining body composition (techniques, fat percentages, and theories), health issues related to obesity, scientific and social theories on obesity, the biochemistry of diet and exercise, current events and politics of health and health care, and new discoveries related to obesity and fitness.