This essay will assess the biopsychosocial model in relation to eating behaviour’s and obesity, Over the past decade the rate of obesity has risen dramatically with the number one killer being coronary heart disease (CHD). The biopsychosocial model approach systematically considers biological, psychological and social factors and their complex interactions in health, illness and health care delivery, understanding and considering different health approach models could help health psychologists comprehend eating behaviour’s as well as obesity and design interventions to reduce the incidence and prevalence and lower the risk of premature death.
Health psychology is interested in both understanding issues relating health promotion and prevention …show more content…
The first is biological factors which include genetic susceptibility, increased number of adipose cells formed during childhood, hormonal imbalance such thyroxine produced be the thyroid gland (Marieb & Hoehn, 2010). Psychological factors are also responsible for obesity such as depression and stress. Each individual copes differently to stress and depression, some individuals tend to eat more when under stress while others eat less. However it is well established that stress affects eating – this is due to the individual eliminating self-control regarding how much they should eat. Individuals that eat while depressed or stressed are more likely to consume sweet and high-fat foods (Taylor, 2012). The cultural fixation with thinness from the media and society may promote low self-esteem and poor image within individuals – both adults and children who do not conform to the stereotypically thin image. Studies have shown levels of depression and depressive symptoms with those suffering from being overweight or obese, in a recent study Simon et al. (2006) carried out research conducted on over 9,000 adults and concluded that obesity was associated with increased life time diagnosis of major depression, bipolar disorder and panic disorder. In line with the research conducted it is possible that depressed obese individuals are more likely to find treatment for their obesity compared to those who are not depressed about being obese and content with their weight. However Ross (1994) addressed the possibility of obesity causing depression and interviewed a random sample of more than 2,000 adults by telephone, within the sample group the was a small subgroup in Ross’s study who were overweight and depressed, Ross argued that these individuals were also dieting to lose weight and it was the attempted to lose weight rather than
Health psychology is interested in both understanding issues relating health promotion and prevention …show more content…
The first is biological factors which include genetic susceptibility, increased number of adipose cells formed during childhood, hormonal imbalance such thyroxine produced be the thyroid gland (Marieb & Hoehn, 2010). Psychological factors are also responsible for obesity such as depression and stress. Each individual copes differently to stress and depression, some individuals tend to eat more when under stress while others eat less. However it is well established that stress affects eating – this is due to the individual eliminating self-control regarding how much they should eat. Individuals that eat while depressed or stressed are more likely to consume sweet and high-fat foods (Taylor, 2012). The cultural fixation with thinness from the media and society may promote low self-esteem and poor image within individuals – both adults and children who do not conform to the stereotypically thin image. Studies have shown levels of depression and depressive symptoms with those suffering from being overweight or obese, in a recent study Simon et al. (2006) carried out research conducted on over 9,000 adults and concluded that obesity was associated with increased life time diagnosis of major depression, bipolar disorder and panic disorder. In line with the research conducted it is possible that depressed obese individuals are more likely to find treatment for their obesity compared to those who are not depressed about being obese and content with their weight. However Ross (1994) addressed the possibility of obesity causing depression and interviewed a random sample of more than 2,000 adults by telephone, within the sample group the was a small subgroup in Ross’s study who were overweight and depressed, Ross argued that these individuals were also dieting to lose weight and it was the attempted to lose weight rather than