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from car crashes, drowning, falls, gunshots, and alcohol poisoning (Valencia-Martín, Galán, & Rodríguez-Artalejo,
2008). [49] Binge-drinking students are also more likely to be involved in other risky behaviors, such as smoking, drug
use, dating violence, or attempted suicide (Miller, Naimi, Brewer, & Jones, 2007). [50] Binge drinking may also damage
neural pathways in the brain (McQueeny et al., 2009) [51] and lead to lifelong alcohol abuse and dependency (Kim et
al., 2008). [52] Illicit drug use has also been increasing and is linked to the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV,
hepatitis B, and hepatitis C (Monteiro, 2001). [53]
Some teens abstain from sex entirely, particularly those who are very religious, but most experiment with it. About
half of U.S. children under 18 report having had intercourse, a rate much higher than in other parts of the world.
Although sex is fun, it can also kill us if we are not careful. Sexual activity can lead to guilt about having engaged in
the act itself, and may also lead to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV
infection. Alcohol consumption also leads to risky sexual behavior. Sex partners who have been drinking are less
likely to practice safe sex and have an increased risk of STIs, including HIV infection (Hutton, McCaul, Santora, &
Erbelding 2008; Raj et al., 2009). [54]
It takes some work to improve and maintain our health and happiness, and our desire for the positive emotional
experiences that come from engaging in dangerous behaviors can get in the way of this work. But being aware of the
dangers, working to control our emotions, and using our resources to engage in healthy behaviors and avoid
unhealthy ones are the best things we can do for ourselves.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Biologically, hunger is controlled by the interactions among complex pathways in the nervous system and a variety of
hormonal and chemical systems in the brain and body. - How we eat is also influenced by our environment, including social norms about appropriate body size.
- Homeostasis varies among people and is determined by the basal metabolic rate. Low metabolic rates, which are
determined entirely by genetics, make weight management a very difficult undertaking for many people. - Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, affect more than 10 million people (mostly women)
in the United States alone. - Obesity is a medical condition in which so much excess body fat has accumulated in the body that it begins to have an
adverse impact on health. Uncontrolled obesity leads to health problems including cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
sleep apnea, arthritis, and some types of cancer. - The two approaches to controlling weight are to eat less and exercise more.