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Week 9 - Discussion_Medical Anthropology

Week 9 - Discussion_Medical Anthropology

Q Brewis’ article “Expanding Bodies in a Shrinking World” is an excellent example of a critical bicultural approach to understanding the so-called “obesity epidemic”. It seeks to examine how an increasingly common form of the human body—bodies of size—emerge at the intersections of evolved biology, culture and unequitable social structures. Review the four key points from the article listed on page 406 at the end of the chapter. The fourth point emphasizes factors beyond the individual (i.e. structural, institutional, evolutionary etc.) that shape growing body sizes and attempts to medicalize larger bodies. Look around in your everyday environment. Using photovoice methodology, post photographs (1-2 for each prompt) along with brief explanations of what the photo conveys for you in response to these prompts: What social and structural supports help you to make “healthy” eating and exercise choices? What elements of your social and structural environments function as barriers to “healthy” eating and exercise levels? Explain.

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No matter how much we would want to remain fit and be on the good side of the health chart, there are many temptations that make us vulnerable to an unhealthy lifestyle and making decisions that are harmful to us. However, there are certain social structures that help me refrain from the unhealthy part and at least indulge in a lifestyle that is suitable for my age and my work. One of the most luring things is the fresh produce section of the supermarket I visit, and also of the organic farm that sometimes my mother shops from, where the vegetables are actually a reminder for the healthy diet.