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Rising levels of overweight and obesity are placing an increasing burden on individuals and society - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 1 - 2017
Question 1
Rising levels of overweight and obesity are placing an increasing burden on individuals and society. Currently, six in ten adults and one in four children are overwe... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Rising levels of overweight and obesity are placing an increasing burden on individuals and society - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 1 - 2017
Step 1
Using the information provided in the chart, comment and elaborate on the variations in Body Mass Index among the different age groups of the Irish population.
Answer
The chart indicates significant variations in Body Mass Index (BMI) across different age groups.
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Obesity: The prevalence of obesity noticeably increases as individuals age. For instance, only 28% of the youngest group (15-24) falls into the obese category, but this rises significantly in older groups, particularly reaching 64% in the 65+ age bracket. This trend reflects lifestyle factors such as decreased activity and increased caloric intake with age.
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Overweight: Overweight individuals are more common in the middle age categories. The 25-34 age group shows a marked increase, reflecting lifestyle choices related to work and family commitments that may contribute to weight gain. The data shows that this trend continues into the 35-44 age range before beginning to decline.
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Normal Weight: The 15-24 age group has the highest percentage of normal-weight individuals. However, as age increases, the percentage of normal weight individuals decreases progressively into older age groups, which correlates with increased obesity and overweight statistics.
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Underweight: Underweight individuals account for less than 5% across all age groups. This suggests that concerns about malnutrition may be overshadowed by issues of obesity and overweight, highlighting a shifting focus in public health.
Step 2
Classify carbohydrates. With reference to each class give: • the chemical formula • examples • food source.
Answer
Carbohydrates can be classified into three main categories:
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Monosaccharides (simple sugars):
- Chemical Formula: C₆H₁₂O₆
- Examples: Glucose, Fructose
- Food Source: Fruits, Honey
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Disaccharides (double sugars):
- Chemical Formula: C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁
- Examples: Sucrose, Lactose
- Food Source: Table sugar, Milk
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Polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates):
- Chemical Formula: (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ
- Examples: Starch, Cellulose
- Food Source: Potatoes, Cereals
Step 3
Explain three properties of sugar and the related culinary use of each.
Answer
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Solubility: Sugar is highly soluble in water, which is important in various culinary applications such as making syrups and sweetening drinks & desserts. When dissolved, it can enhance flavor profiles.
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Caramelization: Upon heating sugar, it undergoes caramelization, where it transforms into a rich, brown color and develops complex flavors. This process is essential for creating desserts like crème brûlée and various confections.
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Fermentation: Sugars can ferment when yeast is present, making them integral in baking processes for creating bread and fermented beverages. This process produces carbon dioxide, which helps bread rise.
Step 4
Assess the effects of high sugar consumption on the body.
Answer
High sugar consumption can lead to several detrimental effects on health:
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Obesity: Excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain as it contributes to increased caloric intake without providing nutritional value. The body tends to store excess calories as fat.
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Heart Disease: High sugar diets are linked to higher triglyceride levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease due to potential plaque build-up in arteries.
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Type 2 Diabetes: Chronic high sugar consumption can result in insulin resistance, leading to type 2 diabetes, where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels effectively.
Step 5
Outline five strategies to be considered when purchasing and preparing food in order to reduce sugar consumption.
Answer
- Purchasing: Choose whole foods that are low in sugar. Opt for fruits in their natural state rather than fruit juices or processed snacks high in added sugars.
- Reading Labels: Make it a habit to read nutrition labels to check for hidden sugars in foods, particularly in sauces, cereals, and breads.
- Cooking Methods: Use alternative sweeteners such as natural honey or fruit purees instead of refined sugars when preparing meals and desserts.
- Healthy Recipes: Substitute sugar with spices like cinnamon or vanilla in recipes to enhance flavor without added sugars.
- Hydration Choices: Reduce sugary drinks by opting for water, herbal teas, or diluted fruit juices instead of sodas and high-sugar beverages.