Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
Nutrition and Diet in Health
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Nutrition and Diet in Health
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Subject: Physical Education Health Elective
Class: SHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 9
Grade code: 3.1.2.LI.3
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 3.1.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.1.2.LI.3
Theme: Health Education
Subtheme: Nutrition and Diet in Health
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This lesson addresses the serious topic of eating disorders. In today's world, with increasing pressure from social media, examinations like the WASSCE, and changing societal ideas about body image, young Ghanaians are more vulnerable than ever. Understanding these conditions is not just an academic exercise; it is a crucial life skill. This lesson will equip you with the knowledge to identify these disorders, understand their severe health consequences, and know where to find help for yourselves or for others. We will approach this sensitive topic with maturity, respect, and empathy, reflecting our national core values of Tolerance and Respect.
A. What is an Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder is not a lifestyle choice or a simple diet gone wrong. It is a serious and complex mental illness characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviours and related thoughts and emotions. People with eating disorders typically become obsessed with food, body weight, and body shape. These disorders can affect people of any age, gender, race, or socioeconomic background and have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
It is vital to understand that these are medical conditions that require professional help. They are not a sign of weakness or a cry for attention. B. Anorexia Nervosa Definition: Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and self-imposed starvation, leading to a significantly low body weight. Key Characteristics and Symptoms: Extreme Restriction: Drastically limiting the amount and type of food eaten. Intense Fear of Weight Gain: An overwhelming and irrational fear of becoming fat, even when severely underweight. Distorted Body Image: Seeing oneself as overweight despite being dangerously thin. Their self-worth is often tied directly to their weight and shape. Obsessive Behaviours: May include weighing food, counting calories obsessively, excessive exercise, and developing rigid food rituals (e.g., cutting food into tiny pieces). Denial: The individual often does not believe they have a problem. Effects on the Human Body: Physical Effects: Cardiovascular: Slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and risk of heart failure (the most common cause of death). Bone Density: Osteoporosis (brittle bones) due to lack of calcium and vitamin D. Muscles: Muscle loss and weakness, including the heart muscle. Hormonal: In females, loss of menstrual periods (amenorrhea). In males, decreased testosterone. General: Severe dehydration leading to kidney failure, feeling cold all the time, growth of fine hair (lanugo) all over the body as a way to keep warm, anaemia, and a weakened immune system. Psychological & Social Effects: Depression, anxiety, and irritability. Social withdrawal and isolation from friends and family. Perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive behaviours. C. Bulimia Nervosa Definition: Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours (purging) to prevent weight gain. Key Characteristics and Symptoms: Binge Eating: Consuming an unusually large amount of food in a short period (e.g., within two hours), accompanied by a feeling of being out of control. Purging/Compensatory Behaviours: After a binge, the individual tries to "undo" the calories. This can include: Self-induced vomiting. Misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas. Fasting for long periods. Excessive exercise. Body Image: Like anorexia, individuals have an intense fear of gaining weight and are extremely unhappy with their body size and shape. However, they are often of a normal weight or even slightly overweight, making the disorder harder to detect. Secrecy and Shame: The binge-purge cycle is almost always done in secret and is associated with intense feelings of guilt and shame. Effects on the Human Body: Physical Effects: Gastrointestinal: Stomach pain, acid reflux, and potential for tearing the esophagus from frequent vomiting. Dental: Severe tooth decay, gum disease, and staining from stomach acid. Electrolyte Imbalance: Loss of essential minerals like potassium and sodium from purging can lead to irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and death. Glands: Swollen salivary glands in the cheeks ("chipmunk cheeks"). General: Chronic sore throat, dehydration, and intestinal problems from laxative abuse. Psychological & Social Effects: Low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. High risk of substance abuse. Feelings of being out of control, leading to social isolation. D. Binge Eating Disorder (BED) Definition: Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort), while feeling a loss of control, followed by feelings of shame, distress, or guilt. Importantly, there is no regular use of compensatory (purging) behaviours. Key Characteristics and Symptoms: Recurrent Binge Eating Episodes: Similar to bulimia, but without the purging. Associated Behaviours: Eating much more rapidly than normal, eating until uncomfortably full, eating large amounts when not physically hungry, eating alone due to embarrassment, and feeling disgusted, depressed, or very guilty afterward. Weight: Individuals with BED are often overweight or obese, which can lead to a cycle of failed dieting and further binging. Effects on the Human Body: Physical Effects: The effects are primarily those associated with obesity. Metabolic: Type 2 diabetes. Cardiovascular: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Musculoskeletal: Joint problems due to excess weight. Other: Gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer. Psychological & Social Effects: Severe depression and anxiety. Poor quality of life and difficulties with social functioning. Intense feelings of shame and low self-worth. E. Binge Drinking
While not an eating disorder itself, binge drinking is a related harmful behaviour of consuming excessive amounts of alcohol in a short period. It can co-occur with eating disorders as a coping mechanism or a form of purging calories ("drunkorexia"). Definition (General): Consuming 5 or more drinks (for males) or 4 or more drinks (for females) in about 2 hours. Effects: Liver damage, brain damage, increased risk of accidents and injuries, alcohol poisoning, and poor decision-making.