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Although clients rarely consult mental health professionals for the sole purpose of losing weight, eating and body image issues frequently emerge in the course of treatment. In addition to anorexia nervosa, binge-eating disorder and bulimia nervosa, weight issues often play a role in disorders such as depression, sexual difficulties and body dysmorphic disorder. Following a brief summary of epidemiological data and an overview of pharmaceutical and medical treatments of obesity, you focus on psychological issues associated with weight regulation. You also cover childhood obesity and eating disorders.
Learner Outcomes
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
- Distinguish between geriatric, physiological and psychological determinants of weight
- Describe and give examples of the psychological functions of eating
- Understand body image issues affecting weight regulation
- Explain the role of physical activity in weight reduction and the psychological barriers to becoming more active
- Cite marital, family and cross-cultural issues affecting weight and body image
- Describe features of the physical environment that affect weight
- Provide suggestions to parents concerned about their children’s weight