4. Explanations for Obesity

About this Lecture

Lecture

In this lecture, we think about explanations for obesity, focusing in particular on: (i) the definition of the disorder; (ii) its prevalence; (iii) its psychological and physical consequences; (iv) different explanations for obesity, including genetics, the role of the ‘obesogenic’ environment and behavioural factors.

Course

In this course, Professor Jane Ogden (University of Surrey) discusses eating behaviour and its related problems. In the first lecture, we explore why we eat what we eat, focusing on cognitive and developmental models of food preferences. In the second lecture, we think about the Weight Concern Model. In the third lecture, we think about eating disorders, exploring the causes of anorexia. Next, we think about the causes obesity. In the fifth lecture, we look at treatments for anorexia. In the sixth and final lecture, we think about treatments for obesity.

Lecturer

After completing her PhD at the Institute of Psychology in London, Jane Ogden lectured first at Middlesex University and then at Guy's and St Thomas Medical Schools. She joined the University of Surrey in 2005 and carries out research in the areas of eating behaviour and obesity management, aspects of women's health, communication in the health care consultation and the experience of medical procedures.