Chapter+2

LITERATURE REVIEW In the previous chapter, we have explained the argument about the people’s obsessed to become slim in short time and the reasons of them to losing weight. To provide a clearer understanding of this study, we will explain method to become slim, the effect of improper method to become slim and the importance of healthy diet.

M**ethod to become slim** Eating behaviour, exercise, taking pills or supplements, and surgery are an example to be a slim and most popular ways among the people that obsess to be a slim. Eating behaviours and attitudes influence weight gain in adolescents. Eating behaviour such as eating a good breakfast will keep from getting too hungry, which will help to prevent eating more for lunch or dinner. Besides, eating balanced diet in a right amount. Balanced diet contains all nutrition such as carbohydrate, protein, vitamin, fat, mineral salt, fiber and water. Obese adolescents have been reported to consume larger meals with a higher percentage of energy from fat and protein than normal weight adolescents (Ortega //et// //al//., 1995). Therefore, taking balanced diet is significance for those want to losing weight. In addition, exercise is one of the physical activities that can apply to lose weight. Among the risk factors amenable to intervention are behavioural factors such as dietary intake and physical activity (Ells //et al.//, 2005). Studies have shown that individuals with a low level of physical activity have greater body weight and body fat levels as compared to their active counterparts (Schulz & Schoeller, 1994; Ryan, Nicklas & Elahi, 1996). Variations in physical activity and fitness by age and gender have also been observed. Sallis (1993) noted a decline in aerobic power of about 2% per year in female children and adolescents relative to body mass, while overall physical activity declined by about 7.4% per year throughout the school years. The study concluded that female youths were at greater risk of developing obesity. Taking pills or supplements are the most popular method used to become slim. Liposuction is the surgery method to eliminate unnecessary fat at part of the body. This method is rarely used by people due to expensive cost. Urbanization and improved socioeconomic status have been known to influence changes in lifestyle and eating habits and has been postulated to contribute towards increasing obesity (Noor, 2002). Dieting, body dissatisfaction and disordered eating and exercise behaviors are well documented among  male (Drummond, 2002; O'Dea and Abraham, 2002) and female (Crawfor d and Worsley, 1988; Drenowski //et al.//, 1994; Kenardy //et al.//, 2001; Hill, 2002) university students worldwide. Between 70 and 94% of female university students express a desire to lose weight and become slim mer (Abraham //et al.//, 1983; Paxton //et al.//, 1991; Vohs //et al.//, 2001), and 80–91% report dieting (Abraham //et al.//, 1983; Striegel-Moore //et al.//, 1990). People will easily influenced by sliming product promotion without thinking about their health, money, ingredients and effect of the product. According to The Health Ministry, Dr Chua has revoked the license of a factory in Selangor which allegedly produces a slimming product (NP Trimz) that is hazardous to health (The Star, 30 June 2007). They also are taking pills to lose their weight. However, not all pills are good for health. According to Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad, certain pills being sold over the counter may contain harmful chemicals such as poisonous substances may have long-term effects on a person’s health, and lead to kidney or liver failure, or skin cancer (The Star, 16 July 2007).  A healthy diet is essential to foster a healthy lifestyle. Exercise regularly does not mean that people could eat whatever they want but if they still want do it, then it is going to reflect on physique and overall health, both physically and mentally. People should consume enough calories. Ideal calorie intake should depend on gender, height, weight and physical activity. The average person should consume 2,000 calories a day. In addition, people should eat a variety of foods. Most people fail to have an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables in their diets. Fruits and vegetables are an essential source of antioxidants for health. Besides, eating in small portions. Body's blood sugar levels will increase when eating in large meals which is may contribute to weight gain and feeling bloated. But when eating in small meals, body can metabolize the food faster and will get constant energy and nutrients throughout the day. Chocolate also positively influences highly complex pathologies involving both physical and mental factors: a recent study conducted at British NHS Trust Hospitals showed that eating small amounts of chocolate every day can help to reduce the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (  [|Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, 2006] Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Health benefits of chocolate revealed, Press release (2006).  [|Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, 2006)]
 * Effect of improper method to become slim **
 * Importance of healthy diet **