Question 1

In assessing the causes of obesity, proponents of the food system perspective focus on

Accepted Answer

Proponents of the food system perspective believe that all three of these factors - government policies, lack of access, and business behavior - contribute to the prevalence of obesity. The combination of these factors has created an environment where unhealthy, high-calorie foods are cheap and easily accessible, while healthier options are more expensive and harder to come by, making it difficult for people to maintain a healthy diet and weight.

Question 2

In the United States, there are differences in obesity rates by race. ?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that there are differences in obesity rates by race in the United States, with higher rates observed among Black and Hispanic individuals compared to white individuals.

Question 3

The personal responsibility approach to obesity argues that

Accepted Answer

The personal responsibility approach blames people's lack of self-control for obesity. This approach suggests that people make poor food choices and fail to engage in enough physical activity, rather than recognizing the larger structural and environmental factors that contribute to obesity.

Question 4

In terms of obesity, research indicates that

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that what matters more than the quantity of calories consumed is the types of calories consumed, highlighting the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet. High caloric intake combined with low caloric expenditure does play a role in obesity, but it is not the sole cause. There may be some differences in total caloric intake by race, but this is not the main factor contributing to obesity. Calories can be a useful measure of food intake, but they do not take into account the quality of the food being consumed.

Question 5

The assumption that obesity results from an excess of calorie intake relative to calorie expenditure is called

Accepted Answer

The answer of The assumption that obesity results from an...

Question 6

The obesogenic environment thesis argues that

Accepted Answer

The obesogenic environment thesis argues that obesity is primarily a result of people being surrounded by cheap, fast, nutritionally inferior food and a lack of opportunities for physical activity. It does not suggest that exposure to obesogens or poor personal food choices are the primary cause of obesity. While genetic predisposition may play a role in obesity, the obesogenic environment thesis suggests that environmental factors are the main driver of the obesity epidemic.

Question 7

Individual studies, as well as systematic reviews, of the food desert literature show that

Accepted Answer

While individual studies have shown a correlation between lack of access to supermarkets and obesity, systematic reviews have found mixed evidence regarding this relationship. Additionally, other factors like socioeconomic status, cultural norms, and individual behaviors likely play a role in contributing to obesity. Therefore, it is not accurate to conclude that lack of access to supermarkets is a primary cause of obesity, particularly for low-income people.

Question 8

If people do not live close to a supermarket they cannot eat healthy and thus are obese. ?

Accepted Answer

While living close to a supermarket may make it more convenient to access fresh and healthy food options, there are alternative ways to eat healthy. People can grow their own food, purchase produce from farmers markets, and make healthy choices when dining out. Obesity is a complex issue that is influenced by many factors including genetics, lifestyle, and environment.

Question 9

Which of the following statements is accurate regarding commodity subsidy programs?

Accepted Answer

Commodity subsidy programs primarily support row crops, such as corn and soy, through government payments to farmers. These crops are then used as ingredients in processed foods, contributing to the abundance of cheap, high-calorie food options in the U.S. This has been identified as a contributing factor to the obesity epidemic, but commodity subsidies are not solely responsible for it.

Question 10

One reason that processed foods tend to cost less than fresh fruits and vegetables is

Accepted Answer

Processed foods can be mass produced and have longer shelf lives, reducing labor costs and production costs. This allows companies to sell these products at lower prices than fresh fruits and vegetables, which require more labor and care to produce and often have a shorter shelf life. The demand and supply of these products may also factor into their pricing, but the primary reason for their lower cost is their production process.

Question 11

Today, on, average, U.S. households spend a smaller percentage of income on food than in the 1950s. ?

Accepted Answer

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, in 1950, Americans spent about 22% of their disposable income on food, while in 2019, they spent approximately 9.7%. Therefore, U.S. households spend a smaller percentage of income on food than in the 1950s.

Question 12

Compared to the wealthiest Americans, the poorest spend _____ on food.

Accepted Answer

The poorest Americans spend a greater percentage of their income on food compared to the wealthiest Americans. This is due to income inequality and lack of access to affordable healthy food options.

Question 13

By only focusing on what people choose to eat, research on obesity may be missing

Accepted Answer

The answer of By only focusing on what people choose...

Question 14

Phenotypic changes caused by chemicals that can interfere with genetic expression in ways that permanently transform bodily form and function, are called

Accepted Answer

The definition given in the question matches the definition of epigenetics, which refers to changes in gene expression caused by environmental factors, including exposure to chemicals. Choice B (obesogens) refers to chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system leading to obesity, but not necessarily permanent changes in bodily form and function. Choice C (genetic modification) refers to intentional changes made to an organism's DNA, rather than changes caused by external factors, and choice D (toxic body burden) refers to the accumulation of chemicals in the body, but not necessarily to the specific type of changes described in the question.

Question 15

Many chemical substances that have been identified as possible obesogens are

Accepted Answer

Many chemical substances that have been identified as possible obesogens include pesticides, packaging materials, and certain food ingredients. Therefore, all of the above options are correct.

Question 16

Women in the U.S. consume fewer calories on average than men, yet exhibit higher obesity rates overall. This indicates that

Accepted Answer

The fact that women consume fewer calories but have higher obesity rates suggests that external factors, such as exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, may be contributing to their weight gain. Option A, C, and D do not adequately explain the discrepancy between calorie consumption and obesity rates in women.

Question 17

_____ might be a better measure of obesity and health than BMI?

Accepted Answer

Toxic body burden is a measure of the amount of toxic chemicals in the body. These chemicals can come from a variety of sources, including food, water, and air pollution. Toxic body burden has been linked to a number of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and cancer.

Question 18

While not conclusive, microbiome studies indicate that

Accepted Answer

Microbiome studies suggest that environmental factors, such as antibiotic residues in water, air, and food, may contribute to obesity. There is no evidence to suggest that pollution levels are irreversible or that chemical exposure can counteract obesity. While studies suggest that probiotics may have health benefits, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that consuming more probiotic yogurt will lead to significant weight loss.

Question 19

Research indicates that _______ contributes to obesity.

Accepted Answer

All of the options listed contribute to obesity. Unsafe levels of toxic chemicals and additives in food can disrupt the body's metabolism and hormonal balance, leading to weight gain. Overuse of hormones and antibiotics in livestock production can make their way into the food chain, affecting human health. High-stress and low-wage jobs can increase stress levels and reduce access to healthy foods and physical activity, leading to obesity.

Question 20

According to Lesson 14, _______ is/are necessary to combat obesity.

Accepted Answer

Lesson 14 states that to combat obesity, there needs to be a combination of efforts including food system reform, labor reform, policies combating racism, and better regulations of chemicals. So, option D is the correct answer. Though options A and B may have an impact, they alone are not sufficient to combat obesity according to the lesson. And option C only addresses caloric intake, which is only one aspect of a complex issue.

Quiz 14: Food and Obesity, Melina Packer and Julie Guthman