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The influence of cultural norms on nutrition and exercise practices

This nutrition essay example examines the influence that cultural norms have on nutrition and exercise practices. The essay writer highlights how eating or dietary habits vary across different regions, highlighting the impact that traditional practices and cultural norms have on them. In the sample paper, the writer alludes to the Mediterranean diet and the preference for fast food by Western cultures as examples of this influence. This essay example also notes how exercising habits are a reflection of the cultural norms of a specific region, highlighting how different environments, such as Scandinavian countries, define specific behaviors.

September 26, 2024

* The sample essays are for browsing purposes only and are not to be submitted as original work to avoid issues with plagiarism.

THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURAL NORMS ON NUTRITION AND EXERCISE

PRACTICES

Student’s Name

Course Title

Date

Culture plays a major role in guiding people in their diet and exercise habits, which in

turn affects their health. These norms reflect historical, traditional and cultural practices and

norms of society thus determining what is culturally appropriate or preferred in terms of food

consumption or physical activity. As such, it is evident that an individual’s cultural environment

defines not only what food they eat, but also how often and in what manner they exercise.

Eating habits are perhaps one of the most significant aspects of cultural heritage in most

cultures and societies. For example, Mediterranean diets encourage the consumption of fruits,

vegetables, nuts, healthy fats, and lean meats and have given rise to the world famous

“Mediterranean diet”.1In the same way, Asian cultures observe certain measures with foods such

as rice, vegetables, and fish being a common dietary staple. While in the western part of the

world, fast food culture has developed due to the fast and busy lifestyle and so people tend to

consume foods which are in processed form, high in fat, sugar, and salt content. This food

culture which is rooted to these regions has continued to be a strong influence on the public

health of people.

Culture also plays a role in the exercise habits of individuals. For instance, in the

Scandinavian countries, elements like hiking and skiing are well embraced, given this culture’s

social regard for outdoor activities and bodily strength. Conversely, in other parts of the western

world, exercise is more commercialized and people are willing to spend their money and time on

gym memberships, exercise classes, and trainers.2On the other hand, exercise is not always

2Sassatelli, Roberta. 2021. Fitness Culture. Gyms and the Commercialisation of Discipline and

Fun. Palgrave Macmillan.

1La Motte, Sandee. 2024. Mediterranean diet helps women live much longer, a large new study

finds. May 31. Accessed September 25, 2024.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/31/health/mediterranean-diet-women-early-death-risk-wellness/index.ht

ml.

incorporated as a way of life in cultures especially in Asia and the Middle East. This is primarily

due to the influence of religious or cultural practices that frown upon aspects such as dressing or

essentially discourage physical activity, particularly when it comes to women.3

All in all, it is evident that cultural norms play a significant role in defining the dietary

and exercise habits of specific communities. As highlighted above, these norms can either have a

positive or negative influence on health behaviors. Therefore, it is important to consider the

influence of these norms when formulating public health interventions and promoting healthier

dietary habits and exercise patterns.

3Chaabane, S., K. Chaabna, and S. Doraiswamy. 2021. "Barriers and Facilitators Associated with

Physical Activity in the Middle East and North Africa Region: A Systematic Overview." International

Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18 (4): 1647-1652.

Bibliography

Chaabane, S., K. Chaabna, and S. Doraiswamy. 2021. "Barriers and Facilitators Associated with

Physical Activity in the Middle East and North Africa Region: A Systematic Overview."

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18 (4): 1647-1652.

La Motte, Sandee. 2024. Mediterranean diet helps women live much longer, a large new study

finds. May 31. Accessed September 25, 2024.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/31/health/mediterranean-diet-women-early-death-risk-w

ellness/index.html.

Sassatelli, Roberta. 2021. Fitness Culture. Gyms and the Commercialisation of Discipline and

Fun. Palgrave Macmillan.

September 26, 2024

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Academic level:

Undergraduate 1-2

Type of paper:

Essay

Discipline:

Nutrition

Citation:

Chicago

Pages:

1 (275 words)