The Psychology Of Obesity
The Psychology Of Obesity
Obesity is the increase in the fat deposits in the body that can have harmful effects on our health. One simple way of measuring obesity is by;
- Calculating the BMI (body mass index),
- Using the simple height to weight charts where the range of an ideal weight for a particular height is given for comparison
Obesity however must be differentiated from overweight, wherein the extra weight can occur also from an increased muscle mass as in body builders or weight lifters and can be mistaken for obesity. Hence, one more method to quantify obesity is by measuring the skin fold thickness for the sub cutaneous fat deposit.
Why is obesity harmful?
Obesity is the forerunner for most other chronic illnesses including; arthritis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hypercholesteremia, sleep apnea as also creating a predisposition towards malignancy.
Causes of Obesity:
Common reasons for developing obesity include; family / hereditary factors, hypothyroidism, poor eating habits & lifestyle.
The Psychology Of Obesity
If hormonal or any metabolic reasons for Obesity have been ruled out, then it is quite common to corelate obesity with certain mental states that include;
- Depressed moods: this can often present itself in two forms;
Laziness: Chronic anxiety can sometimes present itself in a hidden form as a state of demotivation, often expressed as laziness. It is this demotivation that usually prevents a client from doing the exercises and taking good care of themselves, despite having complete knowledge about the same.
Faulty eating habits: Food is often a solace for us in moments of sadness or depression. Inability to curtail food habits despite knowing its harmful effects can hence also be a defense mechanism adopted as a means of seeking our happiness. - Peer Pressure: Addiction to a faulty lifestyle and eating habits can arise from the insecurity one has towards being accepted by the society or a certain group and hence the need to adhere to the lifestyle of that group.
