Eating is cultural, social and essential to our survival. As food is engrained in so many aspects of our lives, it becomes an inherently political site. How we eat influences health, equitable access to healthy food creates sociological divides. Beyond access, how our society values food and our bodies has resulted in nearly 1 in 10 Americans suffering from eating disorders throughout our lives. While nourishing and caring for ourselves can seem complicated, learning to listen honestly to our bodies and find balance is a worthwhile journey, one that should be possible for everyone regardless of personal characteristics or socioeconomic status.
In this issue, students in BIOL 183: Nutritional Biology have written a series of articles to share what they have learned about topics that affect the health and well-being of their fellow students. We hope that you will read each one, or pick ones that interest you the most, and in the process become a healthier version of yourself. If you struggle with eating disorders, alcoholism, food insecurity or other issues, there are many resources on campus for finding support. Please reach out and utilize them, and know that you are not alone.
Resources:
The Claremont Colleges Nutrition Services
Read BIOL 183’s articles here:
Brain gains: Why exercise is the best study tool you’re not using
Paloma Oliveri, Gabriel Gangi-Saroukhanioff, Calvin Miller
Whether it’s cardio or strength training, balance or flexibility, exercise improves not only your bodily but also cognitive health. Working out might be the study strategy you never knew you needed.
My relationship with exercise: When does exercise become compulsive?
Saman Alikhani, Elijah Axt, Kyle Wilson
Exercise has positive effects on our bodily and mental health — but when does exercise become an unhealthy habit? Compulsive Exercise can be understood as the uncontrollable need to exercise that may have harmful physical and psychological consequences.
Rethinking weekend drinking: The consequences of binge drinking and how to minimize your risk
Brooke Abbruzzese, Maddie Shore
Although drinking heavily and frequently might seem like the norm for many college students, chronic binge drinking has significant short term and long term consequences.
One size never fits all: How diet culture and restriction fuel binge eating
Natalia Moreno, Evelyn Garcia, Aley Umegboh
In a world obsessed with diet culture, binge eating disorder is often left unconsidered as a public health issue. This article sheds light on the socioeconomic and biological factors behind binge eating.
Can’t spell nutrition without U & I: physical activity as part of our nutritional needs
Alyssa Welch, Isabella Ramirez
It’s common to hear that exercise is “good for you,” but why is it good? Regardless of your exercise habits, it’s vital to understand your body’s needs and how to support your own energy and nutrition.
Mechanisms of obesity drugs and their influence on appetite and food intake
Davida Jones, Andrea Cortes Flores
As the prevalence of obesity in the United States rises, drugs like Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are receiving more attention. But is GLP-1 an effective option in the long term?
The price of convenience: How ultra-processed foods rewire our brain and shape our metabolic health
Sophie Claisse, Mars Liang
A protein bar for breakfast, a lavender-vanilla latte with raspberry cold foam to get through a 9 a.m. class. We call it fuel, but what if our brain interprets it as stress instead of sustenance?