Overweight and obesity

The burgeoning obesity problem with its associated chronic illness mortality, morbidity and impact on quality of life will be an even more imperative challenge to health psychologists in the future. This chapter begins with a definition of obesity based on the body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2 and why this adiposity-based measure may not be the best to account for anomalies such as metabolically healthy obesity. We look at the genetic influences on obesity, and in particular, the obesity susceptibility gene known as the FTO (fat mass and obesity associated gene), and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Research on gene-environment interactions will be presented. The chapter will consider global obesity prevalence rates for age, gender and country.  Global market drivers of foods with high glycaemic index, high in fat and high in sugars, and how they have contributed to overweight and obesity over time will be discussed. Food insecurity and its effect on diet quality in certain world regions is also addressed. Different diets will be considered and the evidence for their effectiveness in weight loss. Nutrition science informed dietary guidelines will be presented. The chapter will consider the management of obesity through dietary and physical activity interventions, pharmacotherapy, and obesity surgery. The role of behaviour change science, behaviour change techniques and theories of behaviour change in obesity interventions for children and adults will be addressed. The chapter will discuss the major types of bariatric surgery, namely Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (GB), Sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and Duodenal switch with biliopancreatic diversion. Evidence for the efficacy of bariatric surgery obtained from longitudinal data will be reviewed. The chapter concludes with suggestions for health psychology in tackling the obesity pandemic.

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The Sage Handbook of Health Psychology: Issues, Debates and Applications of Health Psychology

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978-1-5297-9195-2

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