1. Dieting and Obesity

2. 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

3. Basal Metabolic Rate Definition Variations Factors that increase or decrease BMR

4. Keys Study on Starvation (1950) Purpose Subjects Method

5. Effects of Starvation Physical responses Appetitive responses Psychological responses

6. Sims et al. Study on Weight Gain (1968) Purpose Subjects Method

7. Effects of Attempting to Gain Weight Increases in body temperature and perspiration Post-experiment weight stabilization

8. Heritability Estimates from Twin Studies Breast Cancer45% Coronary Heart Disease49% Epilepsy50% Alcoholism57% Schizophrenia68% Height80% Weight81%

9. Overweight and Obese Body Mass Index guidelines Health profession’s insistence on treating obesity

10. Addictions Model of Obesity Food as a drug Effects on mesocorticolimbic system – the dopamine pathway Sensitivity to reward Poor decision making

11. Dieting Methods Fasting Liquid protein Very low calorie diets Low calorie diets Low fat diets Commercial weight loss programs

12. 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

13. Medical Complications of Obesity Prospective studies Cross-sectional studies

14. Mortality Selective citations Protective factors of overweight mostly ignored

15. 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

16. Restrained vs. Unrestrained Eaters Weight Cognitive Performance Mood Self-Esteem Eating Behaviour