Ulcers are wounds of mucous membrane These are caused by gastrointestinal juices and

affect areas closest to the area of secretion (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum)

Bacteria is also involved in gastrointestinal ulcers

Not infectious The most widely known is Crohn’s disease, which

is an auto-immune disease Ulcerative colitis, which is also chronic and

inflammatory The causes are not clear

This is an acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal region

It is generally caused by a viral or bacterial infection

Sometimes it is due to food poisoning

The appendix is a structure where the small and large intestine meet

Sometimes this becomes swollen and infected, causing abdominal pain and other complications◦ This requires urgent surgery to remove it

These disorders cause the body to react negatively to a substance that people can normally digest

The most common are gluten intolerance (Celiac disease) and lactose intolerance◦ Gluten is a protein found in wheat and many other grains◦ Lactose is the sugar in milk

Diarrhea -the very accelerated passage of food through the intestine, which does not allow liquids to be absorbed before producing feces

Constipation – intestinal movement that is too slow, which causes an accumulation and delay of feces in the intestines

Calculated by dividing the body weight (kg) by height (metres) squared (Weight/Height2)

BMI Assessment

Less than 18 Underweight

Between 18-25 Normal

Between 25-30 Overweight

Between 30-40 Obese

More than 40 Morbidly obese

Anorexia nervosa – One of the most widely known eating disorders◦ Consists of the altered perception of oneself which

makes the person see himself or herself as being fat◦ In order to lose weight, the person may completely stop

eating and exercise excessively Bulimia – A person has episodes of compulsive

eating, combined with phases of feeling guilty for eating◦ This causes the person to consume laxatives or to vomit

Anorexia nervosa – One of the most widely known eating disorders◦ Consists of the altered perception of oneself which

makes the person see himself or herself as being fat◦ In order to lose weight, the person may completely stop

eating and exercise excessively Bulimia – A person has episodes of compulsive

eating, combined with phases of feeling guilty for eating◦ This causes the person to consume laxatives or to vomit