2. The Weight Concern Model

About this Lecture

Lecture

In this lecture, we discuss the Weight Concern Model, focusing in particular on: (i) it as a theory which looks at eating behaviour in relation to the complex cultural meanings that food and body weight have taken on in our society; (ii) body dissatisfaction as a cultural phenomenon linked to these meanings; (iii) how we have turned to dieting as a way of imposing a cognitive limit on our food intake; (iv) a classic study by Herman and Mack (1975) which suggests that the intention to diet conversely often leads to an increased food intake; (v) how this paradoxical effect might be explained; (vi) what problems this might pose to us if we want to lose weight.

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.