Psychological Factors in Obesity Essay Example

difficult-to-change entrenched habits. Binge eating, which is linked to obesity and conditions like anorexia nervosa, is also indicative of depression. In fact, a study revealed that 51 percent of obese individuals with binge eating problems had a history of major depression.

According to further investigation, obese women with binge eating disorder who were mocked about their looks subsequently felt dissatisfied with their bodies and suffered from depression (Wing, 2002 Pg. 87).

The detrimental consequences of leading a sedentary lifestyle are significant. A substantial portion of the American population fails to engage in regular physical activity. This can be attributed to the excessive use of televisions and computers for work, school tasks, and leisure activities.

According to research, watching more than two hours of television daily is associated with being overweight or obese. Other factors that contribute to a sedentary lifestyle include relying on cars instead of walking, having less physically demanding jobs or household tasks due to modern technology and conveniences, and the absence of physical education classes in schools (Cooper, 2001 Pg. 104).

Lack of Sleep and Work Life

Studies have shown that not getting enough sleep increases the risk of obesity. For instance, studies conducted with teenagers discovered that for each hour of sleep they lost, their chances of becoming overweight or obese increased.

Insufficient sleep can lead to obesity in different age groups and cause a desire for high-calorie and sugary foods, leading to overeating, weight gain, and obesity. Sufficient sleep is essential for regulating the hunger-inducing hormone (ghrelin) and the satiety hormone (leptin). Lack of sleep increases ghrelin levels while decreasing leptin levels, resulting in greater hunger compared to being well-rested (Cooper, 2001 Pg.).

Neglect and social pressure

When parents are busy with work or lack adequate parenting skills, or they struggle to cope with little money and a large family, the child often feels neglected. They feel invisible and unheard, their emotional difficulties are not understood, and they are left craving attention. Their longing for love, acceptance, and recognition is filled with food. This pain and rejection is often minimized by striving to please others and to be perfect.

According to Wing (2002, Pg. 86), children try to fulfill their needs and maintain a bond with their parents by displaying workaholic tendencies, perfectionism, and prioritizing others' needs over their own. However, even with these efforts, they still face difficulties in having their needs met and turn to food as a coping mechanism for the emptiness they experience inside. Child abuse can manifest in different forms including sexual, physical, mental, and emotional abuse.

When a child undergoes abuse from an adult, they will attempt to handle their circumstances and alleviate their emotional suffering. Food holds positive connotations - it is delectable, regarded as a special indulgence, and can unconsciously impact brain chemistry. The child learns that food can be employed to numb anguish and detach from or suppress emotions. Today, individuals continue to utilize food as a means of solace when confronted with challenging emotions associated with dysfunctional relationships reminiscent of the previous abusive one. Obesity and larger body size can serve as a defensive barrier, rendering someone less appealing to others and thus shielding them from unwanted attention.

According to Carr (2005 Pg. 90), eating is frequently utilized as a method of diverting attention from intense emotions.

Conclusion

The development and consequences of obesity are both impacted

by mental and behavioral problems. To achieve the best outcomes and provide comprehensive care, it is crucial to take a multidisciplinary approach when treating obesity. This approach should address psychological, social, environmental, and biological factors. In recent years, there has been greater acknowledgement of the importance of addressing psychological aspects in the treatment of obesity.

The therapist plays a crucial role in various areas, including providing behavioral treatment for obesity, conducting pre-surgical mental evaluations, aiding in post-operative lifestyle adaptation, and managing emotional, behavioral, and social changes (Anderson, 2009 Pg. 65). Achieving significant weight loss through bariatric surgical or non-surgical methods heavily relies on making permanent lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthier diet and exercise routine as well as effectively dealing with stress and emotions without turning to food as a coping mechanism.

Work Cited

• Anderson DA, Wadden TA. Treating the obese patient: Suggestions for primary care practice. Archives of Family Medicine 2009;8:156-167.
• Carr D, Friedman MA. Is obesity stigmatizing? Body weight, perceived discrimination, and psychological well-being in the United States. Journal of Health and Social Behavior 2005;46(3):244-259.
• Herpertz S., Kielmann R., Wolf AM., Langkafel., Senf W., Hebebrand J. Does obesity surgery improve psychosocial functioning? A systematic review. International Journal of Obesity 2003;27:1300-1314.
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The text below is taken from the book "Handbook of obesity treatment" edited by Wadden TA, Stunkard AJ. (2002) published by Guilford Press. The content is titled "A new cognitive behavioral approach to the treatment of obesity" and is authored by Cooper Z and Fairburn CG.

Behaviour Research and Therapy 2001;39:499-511.