TITLE

New ways to address obesity

DESCRIPTION

Most students taking Introductory Psychology only know that a Psychologist will talk to individuals with an eating disorder, but do not realize that Psychologists are on the cutting edge of research into the issue.  “Experts from the fields of medicine, public health and beyond have mobilized to address the problem. And psychologists — who are now building on decades of research on behavior change and the maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that contribute to obesity, along with underlying genetic and medical factors — are getting increasingly creative in their contributions.”

“The February/March edition of American Psychologist, a special issue entitled “Obesity: Psychosocial and Behavioral Aspects of a Modern Epidemic,” highlights the breadth of research psychologists are conducting. Eleven articles on child, adolescent and adult obesity summarize some of the most important emerging knowledge about obesity derived from rigorous science and lay the foundation for the roles psychologists can play in addressing obesity in the future.”

The article provides a number of references that can serve as important resources for both the professor and student who would be interested in the field.

SOURCE

American Psychological Association, July 24, 2020, by Zara Abrams

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.apa.org/news/apa/2020/03/america-obesity

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/y3yfgewv

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•According to the article, what is the crisis in America regarding obesity?

•What role do Psychologists play in the understanding and research on obesity?

•How can Psychology help those with have obesity as a major issue?

•What types of professionals would comprise an ideal team to study the problems of obesity?

TAGS

Obesity, Eating Disorders, Obesity and Covid-19, Obesity and Public Health, Psychological Research into Eating Disorders