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Obesity

Obesity     1

Running Head: Diet and Obesity

Diet and Obesity: The Effect on Human Factors Engineering

Emersonn C. Cabatu

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Obesity     2
Abstract
It seems that in today's society faster, better, cheaper is the moniker for our way of life.   That some is ok but more is better.   In the realm of diet more is not necessarily better and that some can actually do more harm than good.   This paper seeks to explore and explain some of the consequences that Human Factors Engineers must take into account when designing products for the marketplace when factoring the disturbing trend of obesity.

Obesity     3
The human body is an incredible machine capable of performing physical and mental tasks not common to the animal kingdom.   But what is common to all organisms is the need for fuel to drive these systems either through production or consumption.   In our case is it consumption. A homeostasis must be maintained and the lifestyle choices that we make dictate how we perform.
We are what we eat
Too much of one type of food consumed in a day can adversely affect human performance, especially if sleepiness or fatigue is induced.   Too little food or an irregular schedule can induce irritability and decreased endurance.   In addition dietary choices have been linked to many health related diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and most prevalent in today's society, diabetes.
How do we begin to explore ones dietary needs?   Food is often a source of considerable pleasure.   Chocolate often soothes, many can not function until they have their first cup of coffee, while others need to satisfy that 3 mile itch to run prior to starting their day in a search for that "runner's high." But what truly drives what we eat is the influence the four senses (taste, touch, smell, and sight) on the enjoyment of eating is directly related to an individual's expectations based on childhood experiences.   Taste expectations...