Diet and Nutrition
Medical Author:
Betty Kovacs, MS, RD
Betty Kovacs, MS, RDBetty is a Registered Dietitian who earned her B.S. degree in Food and Nutrition from Marymount College of Fordham University and her M.S. degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University. She is the Co-Director and Director of nutrition for the New York Obesity Research Center Weight Loss Program. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Nutrition OverviewYour understanding of nutrition can be your key to optimal health. This article covers the essential nutrition information that you need for health: dietary guidelines, dietary reference intakes, food guide pyramid, calories, carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. The Council on Food and Nutrition of the American Medical Association defines nutrition as "the science of food; the nutrients and the substances therein; their action, interaction, and balance in relation to health and disease; and the process by which the organism (i.e. body) ingests, digest, absorbs, transports, utilizes, and excretes food substances." The purpose of our diet is to consume foods that provide the six essential nutrients: carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. The correct amount and variety of food provides the correct amount of nutrients for health and weight management. |
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Diet and Nutrition
Weight Loss and Control Overview
Obesity is simply the accumulation of excess body fat. It is much more than that, however. Obesity is a chronic (long-term) diseaseĀthat is very difficult to treat. As such, it requires long-term treatment to lose weight and keep it off. There is no overnight solution-effective, permanent weight loss takes some time.
The essential factors in losing weight and keeping it off are motivation, proper eating and exercise habits, and an appreciation of better health. Losing weight will help you feel better. It also will improve your health.
Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States (tobacco is the first). People who are obese have much higher risks of many serious health problems than nonobese people. The most devastating of these health problems include the following:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Osteoart...
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Nutrition for the Female Athlete »
Inadequate nutritional intake is more common in female athletes than in their male counterparts.
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