1.1 Name the physiological processes that are in place for us to be able to use the
nutrients for cellular function.
(Use a boat as an example)
Answer (6 marks):
The physiological processes involved in making nutrients available for cellular function include:
1. Ingestion – The process of taking food into the digestive tract.
Boat example: Like loading cargo (food) onto a ship (mouth).
2. Digestion – Breaking down food into smaller components (mechanical and chemical
breakdown).
Boat example: Like unpacking and sorting the cargo at the port so it can be processed.
3. Absorption – Movement of digested nutrients from the gut into the bloodstream or
lymph.
Boat example: Like transferring sorted cargo from the dock to delivery trucks (blood).
4. Transport – Nutrients are moved through the bloodstream to cells.
Boat example: Like trucks transporting cargo to different warehouses (cells).
5. Assimilation – Cells take up the nutrients and use them for energy, growth, and repair.
,Boat example: Like using the cargo to build or power the warehouse (cell function).
6. Excretion – Removal of undigested food and metabolic waste.
Boat example: Like discarding damaged or leftover cargo not needed at the warehouse.
1.2 Specify where the main site of absorption of the three energy-yielding nutrients is.
(2 marks)
Answer:
The small intestine, specifically the jejunum and ileum, is the main site of absorption for:
• Carbohydrates (as monosaccharides)
• Proteins (as amino acids)
• Fats (as fatty acids and monoglycerides)
1.3 Through which transport mechanism are the three different monosaccharides
absorbed?
(2 marks)
Answer:
• Glucose and Galactose: Absorbed via active transport (specifically sodium-
dependent co-transport).
• Fructose: Absorbed via facilitated diffusion.
,2.1 Calculate and interpret Maria’s BMI and waist circumference
(6 marks)
Maria's:
• Weight = 98 kg
• Height = 1.72 m
• Waist circumference = 112 cm
BMI Calculation:
Interpretation:
• BMI of 33.1 = Obese (Class I)
• Waist circumference = 112 cm
, o For females, a waist circumference >88 cm is a risk factor for chronic lifestyle
diseases (e.g., heart disease, type 2 diabetes).
Conclusion:
Maria is classified as obese and at increased risk of chronic diseases due to both her BMI and
waist circumference.
2.2 In which cases is waist circumference not an accurate indicator of risk?
(3 marks)
Waist circumference is not accurate in the following cases:
1. Pregnant women – abdominal measurements change naturally.
2. Individuals with extreme obesity – fat distribution might not reflect risk accurately.
3. People with high muscle mass (e.g. bodybuilders) – large waists may be due to muscle,
not fat.
2.3 Calculate a realistic first goal weight for Maria before starting her weight loss journey
(3 marks)
A realistic initial weight loss goal is 5–10% of current body weight.
• 5% of 98 kg = 4.9 kg → Goal: 98 – 4.9 = 93.1 kg
• 10% of 98 kg = 9.8 kg → Goal: 98 – 9.8 = 88.2 kg
Realistic goal weight range: 88 – 93 kg
2.4 Why is it not advisable to aim for a BMI of 28kg/m² within 3 months? (With calculation)
(6 marks)
BMI Target = 28 kg/m²
Let’s calculate the weight needed to reach a BMI of 28:
nutrients for cellular function.
(Use a boat as an example)
Answer (6 marks):
The physiological processes involved in making nutrients available for cellular function include:
1. Ingestion – The process of taking food into the digestive tract.
Boat example: Like loading cargo (food) onto a ship (mouth).
2. Digestion – Breaking down food into smaller components (mechanical and chemical
breakdown).
Boat example: Like unpacking and sorting the cargo at the port so it can be processed.
3. Absorption – Movement of digested nutrients from the gut into the bloodstream or
lymph.
Boat example: Like transferring sorted cargo from the dock to delivery trucks (blood).
4. Transport – Nutrients are moved through the bloodstream to cells.
Boat example: Like trucks transporting cargo to different warehouses (cells).
5. Assimilation – Cells take up the nutrients and use them for energy, growth, and repair.
,Boat example: Like using the cargo to build or power the warehouse (cell function).
6. Excretion – Removal of undigested food and metabolic waste.
Boat example: Like discarding damaged or leftover cargo not needed at the warehouse.
1.2 Specify where the main site of absorption of the three energy-yielding nutrients is.
(2 marks)
Answer:
The small intestine, specifically the jejunum and ileum, is the main site of absorption for:
• Carbohydrates (as monosaccharides)
• Proteins (as amino acids)
• Fats (as fatty acids and monoglycerides)
1.3 Through which transport mechanism are the three different monosaccharides
absorbed?
(2 marks)
Answer:
• Glucose and Galactose: Absorbed via active transport (specifically sodium-
dependent co-transport).
• Fructose: Absorbed via facilitated diffusion.
,2.1 Calculate and interpret Maria’s BMI and waist circumference
(6 marks)
Maria's:
• Weight = 98 kg
• Height = 1.72 m
• Waist circumference = 112 cm
BMI Calculation:
Interpretation:
• BMI of 33.1 = Obese (Class I)
• Waist circumference = 112 cm
, o For females, a waist circumference >88 cm is a risk factor for chronic lifestyle
diseases (e.g., heart disease, type 2 diabetes).
Conclusion:
Maria is classified as obese and at increased risk of chronic diseases due to both her BMI and
waist circumference.
2.2 In which cases is waist circumference not an accurate indicator of risk?
(3 marks)
Waist circumference is not accurate in the following cases:
1. Pregnant women – abdominal measurements change naturally.
2. Individuals with extreme obesity – fat distribution might not reflect risk accurately.
3. People with high muscle mass (e.g. bodybuilders) – large waists may be due to muscle,
not fat.
2.3 Calculate a realistic first goal weight for Maria before starting her weight loss journey
(3 marks)
A realistic initial weight loss goal is 5–10% of current body weight.
• 5% of 98 kg = 4.9 kg → Goal: 98 – 4.9 = 93.1 kg
• 10% of 98 kg = 9.8 kg → Goal: 98 – 9.8 = 88.2 kg
Realistic goal weight range: 88 – 93 kg
2.4 Why is it not advisable to aim for a BMI of 28kg/m² within 3 months? (With calculation)
(6 marks)
BMI Target = 28 kg/m²
Let’s calculate the weight needed to reach a BMI of 28:
