SUCCESSFUL DIETING --------- some studies show that restrained eating
can successfully lead to reduced intake: Kirkley et al, Wadden et al, Glenny
et al, these studies found diet\ary interventions involving strategies such as
calorie control, cognitive behavioural therapy & healthy eating resulted in
substantial changes in eating behaviour & weight in matter of months
FACTORS OF SUCCESSFUL DIETING -------------
researchers believe 4 factors are needed to diet
successfully:
model of obesity that
focuses on behaviour as
central part of person's
weight problem.
person avoiding state of
denial where they don't
want to eat but do
person creating situation
where food isn't regarded
as rewarding
person establishing new
identity as thinner person
RESEARCH ----------- Rodin et al - Ps beliefs about causes of obesity &
motivation to lose weight were the primary psychological predictors of
weight loss.... Williams et al found motivation was primary predictor of
weight loss & weight maintenance... Kierman et al found people who were
dissatisfied about body shape were most successful dieters, suggesting
physical attractiveness is primary motivation for weight loss
CONTINUED ----------- Ogden examined diet features of weight loss
maintainers, weight loss regainers & people who were consistently
obese. Found weight loss maintainers were more likely to adopt
model of consequences of obesity, were motivated to lose weight
because of positive psychological factors & were less likely to adopt
cause & effect model of weight loss.... Ogden & Hills researchers
interviewed successful weight loss maintainers. Found weight loss
was often triggered by key life events which translated into long term
behaviour if number of conditions were met: Behavioural model of
obesity; Reduction in what & when Ps ate; Reduction in benefits &
functions of food; Creating new identity as thinner, healthier person
DIETING ------------- Dieting involves trying to eat less than usual by placing
a cognitive limit on food intake. Research shows that up to 70%
of women diet at some point in their lives. Herman &
Mack/Herman & Pollivy developed restraint theory to explain
causes & consequences of dieting. Theory states dieting can
either be successful, resulting in eating less & weight loss, or
unsuccessful, resulting in overeating & weight gain
UNSUCCESSFUL DIETING -------------- other studies found
dieting can be unsuccessful resulting in overeating: most
research in this area involves use of 'preload/taste test' method,
in which Ps are given sample of food before their food intake is
measured in taste test. this allows food intake to be measured in
controlled setting: Rudderman & Wilson Ps were given either
high or low calorie preload. Were then asked to take part in taste
test. Ps left alone to eat foods & the amount of time they took was
recorded (although Ps weren’t aware). Found restrained eaters
consumed more than unrestrained eaters regardless of size
preload
Herman & Mack was carried out to demonstrate effects of
disinhibition on restrained eaters. Herman & Pollivy defined
disinhibition as eating more as a result of loosening restraints in
response to emotional distress, intoxication or preloading.
Researchers gave group of dieters & non dieters a high or low
calorie preload. Found dieters consumed more in subsequent
taste test when given high calorie preload – they’d suffered from
disinhibition in response to preload.
Findings widely cited in English speaking countries. Study
challenged contemporary ideas about eating behaviour. Finding
that trying not to eat could result in overeating was reflective of
real life experience of many dieters
Some scientific credibility was carried out in lab setting
Used small sample, so caution needs to be taken when
generalising findings to external population