Dieting and Obesity
Setpoint Theory of Weight Setpoint: what an individual weighs when s/he eats a “normal” amount of food in a “normal” way May not be the same as one’s psychologically ideal weight
Basal Metabolic Rate Definition Variations Factors that increase or decrease BMR
Keys Study on Starvation (1950) Purpose Subjects Method
Effects of Starvation Physical responses Appetitive responses Psychological responses
Sims et al. Study on Weight Gain (1968) Purpose Subjects Method
Effects of Attempting to Gain Weight Increases in body temperature and perspiration Post-experiment weight stabilization
Heritability Estimates from Twin Studies Breast Cancer45% Coronary Heart Disease49% Epilepsy50% Alcoholism57% Schizophrenia68% Height80% Weight81%
Overweight and Obese Body Mass Index guidelines Health profession’s insistence on treating obesity
Addictions Model of Obesity Food as a drug Effects on mesocorticolimbic system – the dopamine pathway Sensitivity to reward Poor decision making
Dieting Methods Fasting Liquid protein Very low calorie diets Low calorie diets Low fat diets Commercial weight loss programs
Quote: “If a cure from obesity is defined as a reduction to ideal weight and maintenance of that weight for 5 years, a person is more likely to recover from most forms of cancer than from obesity” Kelly Brownell
Medical Complications of Obesity Prospective studies Cross-sectional studies
Mortality Selective citations Protective factors of overweight mostly ignored
Summary Negative impact of obesity on longevity and health has been overstated Dieting is an ineffective treatment for obesity Dieting may do more harm than help
Restrained vs. Unrestrained Eaters Weight Cognitive Performance Mood Self-Esteem Eating Behaviour