INNEFECTIVENESS OF DIETING IN TREATING OBESITY PDF

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INNEFECTIVENESS OF DIETING IN TREATING OBESITY PSYU11101
Obesity is a complex disease that is characterised by the excess accumulation of fat that presents many potential health risks. As the concern for weight-loss grows, the discussion of whether dieting is an effective treatment option for ...

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INNEFECTIVENESS OF DIETING IN TREATING OBESITY

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Department of Psychology, Macquarie University PSYU1101: Introduction to Psychology 1 Lecturer: Dr Mem Mahmut 26th April 2021 46586873

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As the world has evolved into a high calorie consumption and low physical exertion environment, obesity is becoming an increasing prevalent issue (French et al., 2001). Obesity is a complex disease that is characterised by the excess accumulation of fat that presents many potential health risks. As the concern for weight-loss grows, the discussion of whether dieting is an effective treatment option for obesity is arising. To come to a conclusion on this matter, a variety of studies have been conducted in order to explain their correlation. Factors that affect obesity and dieting can be categorised into behavioural, physical, psychological, environmental, and sociocultural (Ohsiek & Williams, 2011). This essay will explore why dieting is not an effective treatment for obesity through an analysis of the socioeconomic factor of low income, psychological factor of dichotomous thinking and the biological factor of genetics. The socioeconomic factor of income contributes to the failure of dieting to treat obesity as it effects the quality of food that one can buy. Individuals and families of a low-income status are focused on fulfilling hunger rather than consuming a nutritious diet (Caraher et al., 1998). Generally, healthy nutritious foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables are higher in price when compared to foods containing processed sugars and saturated fats (e.g., fast food). Hence, because of the lack of a wellbalanced nutritious diet, the rates of obesity increase. Furthermore, low-income communities have a higher number of fast-food chains and convenience stores compared to prosperous communities who have access to quality restaurants and fresher produce which is another indicator as to why low-income results in the failure Word Count: 1,257

Department of Psychology, Macquarie University PSYU1101: Introduction to Psychology 1 Lecturer: Dr Mem Mahmut 26th April 2021 46586873

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of dieting to treat obesity (Drewnowski, 2009). While this association is more prevalent among women, it is also seen in men A study conducted by Siu et al., 2011 was performed in which it aimed to examine socio-economic differences in weightcontrol behaviours and barriers to weight control using a cross-sectional study.1500 middle-aged Australian citizens living in Brisbane took part in a self-completion survey to collect data on demographics, body weight and barries to weight control in which their equivalised household income was taken into consideration. Results supported the fact that a low income was associated with a higher chance of obesity as well as a smaller change to engage in weight loss activities including dieting. It was found that they were more likely to perceive losing weight as costly. This study achieved a high response rate of 69.8% and the results showed to be conclusive with the rest of the Australian population. However, a limitation to this study is a response bias may be present because of those who are tactful towards topic around weight. Furthermore, low-income residents are more likely to misinterpret their BMI when participating in self-reported height and weight. Hence, the results of this study may misconstrue the accurate levels of the inequalities. Despite this, the study proves that there was a distinction in levels of obesity in low and high economic communities. Therefore, the socioeconomic factor of income contributes to the failure of dieting to treat obesity as it affects the quality of food that one can buy, making dieting ineffective. This has been proven through the study provided that showed the higher levels of obesity in low socioeconomic households. The psychological factor of dichotomous thinking is a rigid “all-or-nothing” mindset, in which an individual’s perception is in the form of polar opposites i.e., healthy, or unhealthy (Oshio, 2009). The dichotomous mindset contributes to the failure of dieting to treat obesity because it results in an inability to maintain weight Word Count: 1,257

Department of Psychology, Macquarie University PSYU1101: Introduction to Psychology 1 Lecturer: Dr Mem Mahmut 26th April 2021 46586873

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loss. Dichotomous thinking involves unrealistic goals being set. Consequently, due to the “all-or-nothing” frame of mind, the unrealistic goals cannot be achieved, and it is perceived as complete failure. The individual no longer has any motivation to reduce weight. (Alberts et al., 2012). This concept and the relationship between dichotomous thinking and dieting has been studied by numerous researchers. Two studies directed by Byrne et al., 2003 & 2004 investigated dichotomous thinking. The first study concluded that dichotomous thinking is the most powerful indicator of future weight regain. The results of the following study established and reaffirmed that this type of thinking was a solid indicator of inability to upkeep with weight reduction. Strengths of the first study included that it was well designed well and the choice to use conducted interviews rather than self-reports produced more accurate results. However, limitations include a restricted sample size and the use of self-reported weight instead of measured weight during the re-examination after the initial study had been done. The second study was effective as it used both individual and group interviews to collect information however there are some elements of recall bias due to the retrospective features of the study. In spite of this, both studies were able to prove that dichotomous thinking and higher levels of obesity were directly linked. Therefore, the psychological factor of dichotomous thinking contributes to the failure of dieting to treat obesity as it involves not achieving unrealistic goals and as a result losing all motivation. Eventually individuals who experience any sort of weight reduction due to dieting will regain all the weight as a result of this mindset, hence making diets ineffective for those suffering from obesity. Although changes in diet and reduced levels of physical exertion have led to the increasing levels of obesity, it is important to note that the biological factor of genetics can also be a reason for obesity and cannot be treated with dieting. The brain Word Count: 1,257

Department of Psychology, Macquarie University PSYU1101: Introduction to Psychology 1 Lecturer: Dr Mem Mahmut 26th April 2021 46586873

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adjusts food consumption by communicating with adipose tissue the pancreas and the digestive tract via hormones such as leptin, insulin, and ghrelin. The brain controls the communication and directs the body to either consume more and lower energy expenditure, or the opposite. Genes are the underlying factor for the communication that directs food intake, and small changes in these genes can be associated with obesity ("Genes and obesity | CDC", 2013). Maes et al., 1997 and Stunkard et al., 1990 studied families, parent-children relationships and twins and adopted children. Both these studies reported heritability levels of 40-70% in concern to familial resemblance of BMI’s thus proving that there is a direct relationship between genetics and levels of obesity. Furthermore, Stunkard et al.’s research of twins who lived in different environments and twins who lived together were allowed the researchers to conclude that genetic influences on the body mass index (BMI) were considerable whereas the environment they grew up in did not correlate with the resemblance of the twin’s BMI later in life. In future, an examination of familial relationships other than twins may lead to more evidence and information and a larger overall perspective of the link between genetics and obesity. Unlike all other factors, the biological factor of genetics is non-modifiable. Therefore, individuals who suffer obesity because of their genetics cannot use dieting as an effective treatment as it will not change their situation. In a society where obesity is becoming an increasingly pressing issue, the concept of dieting has become a more prevalent topic. Through an analysis of low income, dichotomous thinking and genetics as identified factors that make diets ineffective, the conclusion can be made that dieting is not a successful treatment for obesity. While current research provides insight into this topic there are issues of selfreported data and limited diversity of participants in research. For future research, Word Count: 1,257

Department of Psychology, Macquarie University PSYU1101: Introduction to Psychology 1 Lecturer: Dr Mem Mahmut 26th April 2021 46586873

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conducting broader examinations that involve other factors other than dieting such as exercise and mental health will consequently result in the discovery of a more effective treatment for obesity.

References: Alberts, H., Thewissen, R., & Raes, L. (2012). Dealing with problematic eating behaviour. The effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on eating behaviour, food cravings, dichotomous thinking and body image concern. Appetite, 58(3), 847-851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2012.01.009 Byrne, S., Cooper, Z., & Fairburn, C. (2003). Weight maintenance and relapse in obesity: a qualitative study. International Journal Of Obesity, 27(8), 955-962. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802305 Byrne, S., Cooper, Z., & Fairburn, C. (2004). Psychological predictors of weight regain in obesity. Behaviour Research And Therapy, 42(11), 1341-1356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2003.09.004 Caraher, M., Dixon, P., Lang, T., & Carr-Hill, R. (1998). Access to healthy foods: part I. Barriers to accessing healthy foods: differentials by gender, social class, income and mode of transport. Health Education Journal, 57(3), 191-201. https://doi.org/10.1177/001789699805700302 Caraher, M., Dixon, P., Lang, T., & Carr-Hill, R. (1998). Access to healthy foods: part I. Barriers to accessing healthy foods: differentials by gender, social class, income and mode of transport. Health Education Journal, 57(3), 191-201. https://doi.org/10.1177/001789699805700302 Drewnowski, A. (2009). Obesity, diets, and social inequalities. Nutrition Reviews, 67, S36-S39. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00157.x French, S., Story, M., & Jeffery, R. (2001). Environmental Influences on Eating and Physical Activity. Annual Review Of Public Health, 22(1), 309-335. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.publhealth.22.1.309 Genes and obesity | CDC. Cdc.gov. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/resources/diseases/obesity/obesedit.htm#:~:text=Rarely%2C %20obesity%20occurs%20in%20families,people%20in%20various%20ethnic%20groups. Gortmaker, S., Must, A., Perrin, J., Sobol, A., & Dietz, W. (1993). Social and Economic Consequences of Overweight in Adolescence and Young Adulthood. New England Journal Of Medicine, 329(14), 1008-1012. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejm199309303291406 Word Count: 1,257

Department of Psychology, Macquarie University PSYU1101: Introduction to Psychology 1 Lecturer: Dr Mem Mahmut 26th April 2021 46586873

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Maes, H., Neale, M., & Eaves, L. (1997). Journal search results - Cite This For Me. Behavior Genetics, 27(4), 325-351. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1025635913927 Ohsiek, S., & Williams, M. (2011). Psychological factors influencing weight loss maintenance: An integrative literature review. Journal Of The American Academy Of Nurse Practitioners, 23(11), 592-601. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-7599.2011.00647.x Oshio, A. (2009). Development and validation of the Dichotomous Thinking Inventory. Social Behavior And Personality: An International Journal, 37(6), 729-741. https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2009.37.6.729 Siu, J., Giskes, K., & Turrell, G. (2011). Socio-economic differences in weight-control behaviours and barriers to weight control. Public Health Nutrition, 14(10), 1768-1778. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1368980011000644 Stunkard, A., Harris, J., Pedersen, N., & McClearn, G. (1990). The Body-Mass Index of Twins Who Have Been Reared Apart. New England Journal Of Medicine, 322(21), 1483-1487. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejm199005243222102

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Department of Psychology, Macquarie University PSYU1101: Introduction to Psychology 1 Lecturer: Dr Mem Mahmut 26th April 2021 46586873...