Obesity, Obesity -- Psychological aspects, Reducing diets, Weight loss, Self-control, Obesity -- psychology, Diet, Reducing -- psychology, Obesity -- diet therapy, Weight Loss

Summary: "Dieting, overweight, and obesity: Self-regulation in a food-rich environment examines why self-regulation of weight is so difficult for many people. In light of the fact that overweight and obesity have been increasing so dramatically that the World Health Organization has declared a global epidemic, Wolfgang Stroebe explores the genetic, environmental, and psychological influences on weight gain. He details the psychological and physical consequences of being overweight and explores the various treatment and prevention plans for obesity. In reviewing psychological theories of weight regulation, Stroebe argues that they do not take into account a major obstacle for dieting, namely the desire to enjoy palatable food. He then presents a goal conflict theory, which assumes that chronic dieters who have difficulties in controlling their weight often disregard bodily cues of hunger and satiety, not because they are unable to recognize them but because they do not want to recognize them. Their eating behavior is dominated by a conflict between two incompatible goals: the goal of enjoying palatable food and the goal of losing weight. Although the dieting goal normally curbs their desire for eating enjoyment and helps to control their eating, this fragile balance is easily disturbed by attractive food cues. The theory proposes that exposure to palatable food temporarily inhibits thoughts about dieting in chronic dieters and leads to overeating. This theory, which is supported by extensive research, also integrates earlier theories of the self-regulation of eating. This book gives readers a comprehensive understanding of the issues involving weight gain and dieting. Psychologists and medical professionals in the field of weight management will find this book to be an indispensable resource"--Jacket. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved).

Dieting, overweight, and obesity: an introduction -- Prevalence and consequences of overweight and obesity -- Energy balance and the genetics of body weight -- Environmental causes of the increase in overweight and obesity -- Determinants of weight regulation in individuals with obesity -- Restrained eating and the breakdown of self-regulation -- Beyond the boundary model: a cognitive process theory of restrained eating -- Treatment and prevention of overweight and obesity.