Description
This unit will explore critical health issues that have become increasingly prevalent in today’s society, such as obesity, diabetes, and the role of nutrition in maintaining overall well-being. Students will be introduced to the concepts of obesity, the Body Mass Index (BMI), and the connection between obesity and diabetes—often referred to as “diabesity.” Through engaging activities, discussions, and media resources, students will learn to critically analyze the causes and effects of these health concerns and examine how nutrition and lifestyle choices can help prevent or manage these conditions. This unit aims to empower students to make informed decisions about their health and encourage healthier behaviors to reduce the risks associated with obesity and diabetes.
Objectives
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Understand Obesity: Define obesity, differentiate it from being overweight, and recognize the health risks associated with it, including its role in the development of diabetes.
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Interpret and Apply BMI: Learn how Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated and assess its role in classifying weight categories, while also understanding its limitations as a sole measure of health.
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Comprehend the Basics of Diabetes: Understand the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, the causes and symptoms of diabetes, and the connection between diabetes and obesity (“diabesity”).
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Analyze the Role of Nutrition: Read and interpret nutrition labels to make informed food choices, and understand how balanced nutrition contributes to the prevention of obesity and diabetes.
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Critically Engage with Health Media: Reflect on educational media such as TED Talks and documentaries, using them to analyze societal and individual responsibilities in addressing obesity and diabetes.
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Promote Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Recognize the importance of healthy habits, including proper nutrition and physical activity, in preventing and managing obesity and diabetes, and explore strategies for implementing these changes in daily life.
Student Introduction
Welcome to the Diabesity unit! Diabesity—a combination of diabetes and obesity—is a term used to describe the complex connection between these two rapidly growing health issues. In this unit, we’ll explore how diabetes and obesity are interlinked and why they are considered a "dual epidemic." You'll dive into questions like:
- How does obesity increase the risk of developing diabetes?
- Why are these conditions becoming more common worldwide?
- What role do lifestyle, genetics, and the environment play in these conditions?
Through this unit, you'll uncover how health professionals address Diabesity from multiple perspectives, including prevention, treatment, and patient support. By the end, you’ll gain a new understanding of the science behind these conditions and the impactful careers dedicated to helping patients manage and even overcome them.
Whether you're interested in nutrition, medicine, or community health, Diabesity offers a fascinating field to explore. Let’s dive in and see how each of us can contribute to creating healthier communities and lifestyles! Optional Video: Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity - Explained in Under 10 Minutes