Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1.
addiction
(n.) [uh-dik-shuhn] –the condition of being abnormally (usually compulsively) dependent on
something
Example:
She deals with her food addiction by
consulting a nutritionist.
2.
obese
(adj.) [oh-bees] – excessively overweight
Example:
Doctors say that obese children are
prone to heart disease.
3.
symptom
(n.) [simp-tuhm] – a sign or evidence that something exists
Example:
Headaches in one area of the head is one symptom
of migraine.
4.
depression
(n.) [dih-presh-uhn] – the condition of being sad and inactive
Example:
Depression makes some people want to
eat a lot.
5.
ferment
(v.) [v. fer-ment] – to produce something by using agents such as a yeast, bacteria,
mold, or enzymes
Example:
Fermenting grapes produces red wine.
Article
Read
the text below.
A recent
study in Toronto shows that food and alcohol addiction are not much different.
Conducted by
psychologist Caroline Davis of York University, the study involved 72 people
aged 25 to 45who are all considered obese.
In order to
find out if they are addicted to food, they were asked to answer a test that
was initially used to distinguish people addicted to drugs or alcohol. . The
test focuses on seven symptoms present in people with
addiction. Refusing to go out with friends because of one's addiction is an
example of such symptoms.
Results
revealed that 18 out of the 72 participants cannot quit excessive eating. Their
addiction to food, Davis observed, greatly affects their behavior. One
participant refuses to invite friends over so they would not discover that her
house is filled with bottles of soda and boxes of pizza. Davis added that most
food addicts have psychological issues like depression. They
also show symptoms of hyperactivity.
One
explanation as to why some people become addicted to food comes from studies
done on animals. The studies prove that foods high in sugar and fat have the
same effect on the brain as alcohol made from fermented sugar.
Viewpoint
Discussion
Enjoy
a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
What do you think
are the effects of food addiction to a person’s health?
·
How do you think
people can avoid food addiction?
Discussion
B
·
Do you know anyone
who eats a lot to feel happy?
·
What do you
usually do when you are sad?