Vocabulary:
- sodium /SOH-dee-uhm/
- calorie /KAL-uh-ree/
- obesity /oh-BEE-si-tee/
- preliminary /pri-LIM-uh-ner-ee/
- excessive /ik-SES-iv/
[noun] – a mineral found in salt that is essential for the body but harmful in large amounts
Many canned soups contain high levels of sodium, which can raise blood pressure.
[noun] – a unit of energy, often used as a measurement of the amount of energy that food provides
People who walk regularly can burn extra calories throughout the day.
[noun] – the condition of having too much body fat, often leading to health problems
Doctors are concerned about the rise of obesity in young children due to lack of exercise.
[adjective] – happening before something more important or final
The preliminary results of the election were announced before the official count.
[adjective] – more than is necessary, normal, or desirable
Excessive screen time can affect children’s sleep and concentration.
Article reading:
The research revealed that participants who consumed ultraprocessed foods tended to eat about 1,000 calories more per day than those who consumed minimally processed meals. This increase in calorie intake led to noticeable weight gain. Researchers believe this pattern may be influenced by specific ingredient combinations, such as fat, sugar, sodium, and carbohydrates, which can make food more appealing. While some experts questioned the study’s short duration, others suggested that longer research with more participants could strengthen the results. Preliminary findings indicate that modifying certain qualities in ultraprocessed foods may reduce excessive calorie consumption, even when such foods remain a major part of an individual’s diet.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever eaten a lot of snacks or fast food in one day? If so, how did you feel afterward? If not, what kinds of food do you usually eat during the day?
- Have you ever tried to eat only healthy or homemade food for a week? If so, was it easy or difficult for you? Why? If not, would you like to try it? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that changing the ingredients in ultraprocessed foods can help people eat fewer calories?
- Why do you think ultraprocessed foods are so common in many countries, even though they can be unhealthy?
- What are some ways schools or communities can help people eat fewer ultraprocessed foods?
Summarization
Describe:
- sugar
- illness
- weight gain
- food intake
- high level