Reference no: EM132436741

Joe has a hectic schedule. During the day, he works full time at a warehouse distribution center filling orders. At night, three times a week, he attends class at the local community college in pursuit of computer certification. On weekends, he likes to watch sports on television, spend time with family and friends, and study. Joe has little time to exercise or think about what he eats-that is, convenience rules. He stops for coffee and a pastry on his way to work, has a burger or pizza for lunch at a fast-food restaurant, and for dinner picks up fried chicken or fish at the drive-through on his way to class. Unfortunately, over the past few years, Joe's weight has been climbing. He is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds. Lately, he has frequently been short of breath during his shift at work. Watching a game on television a few nights ago, he saw an infomercial for a weight-loss supplement that promises to increase his energy level and allow him to continue to eat large portions of tasty foods but not gain weight. A famous actor supports the claim that this product allows one to eat at will and not gain weight. This claim is tempting to Joe.

1. Has Joe been experiencing positive or negative energy balance over the past few years? What is his current BMI?
2. What aspects of Joe's lifestyle (other than diet) are causing this effect on his energy balance?
3. What changes could Joe make to his diet and physical activity patterns that would promote weight loss or maintenance?
4. Why should Joe be skeptical of the claims he heard about the weight-loss product in the infomercial?
5. Referring back to the characteristics of unreliable diets, what advice can you offer Joe for evaluating weight-loss programs?

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