Barriers to achieving a healthy weight

Overview

Cost, time, the body's response to weight loss, emotion, stigma, sleep, medicines, family and cultural traditions and the food environment as barriers to a healthy weight.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Explain how the cost of food can be a barrier to achieving a healthy weight.

   Model answer

   Energy-dense processed foods are often cheaper per kcal than fruit, vegetables and lean protein. Families on low incomes may rely on filling, energy-dense foods to avoid hunger.

2. 2

   Why can time pressures make it hard to maintain a healthy weight?

   Model answer

   Busy people have less time to cook, plan meals or exercise. Convenience foods and takeaways are quick but usually energy dense.

3. 3

   How does the body's response to weight loss act as a barrier to keeping weight off?

   Model answer

   Ghrelin rises and leptin falls after weight loss, so appetite increases. BMR also falls, so a lighter body needs less energy than before.

4. 4

   How can emotional factors be a barrier to a healthy weight?

   Model answer

   Some people eat for comfort when stressed, anxious, bored or low. Emotional eating usually involves energy-dense foods and can override hunger and fullness cues.

5. 5

   How does weight stigma act as a barrier to achieving a healthy weight?

   Model answer

   Weight stigma can cause shame and stress, which may trigger comfort eating. People who feel judged may avoid gyms, sport or healthcare appointments.

6. 6

   Why can a lack of safe places to be active be a barrier to a healthy weight?

   Model answer

   Areas without parks, safe pavements or affordable leisure centres limit everyday activity. Parents may not let children play outside if roads or neighbourhoods feel unsafe.

Other ways to work this

The same content, four other ways.

What is inside Levo

Six ways to work the same material.