190 Obesity Treatment
Dieting is therefore offered as a cure for obesity but may bring with it the
adverse consequences of dieting. If restraint theory is applied to obesity,
the obese should not be encouraged to restrain their food intake, since
although obesity may not simply be caused by overeating, overeating may
be triggered if restrained eating is offered as a cure. However, there are also
many benefits of obesity treatment.
The benefits of treatmentAlthough failed obesity treatment may be related to a preoccupation with
food, negative mood, and lowered self-esteem, actual weight loss has been
found to be associated with positive changes such as elation, self-confidence,
and increased feelings of well-being (Stunkard, 1984). This suggests that
whereas failed dieting attempts are detrimental, successful treatment may
bring with it psychological rewards. The physical effects of obesity treatment
also show a similar pattern of results. Yoyo dieting and weight fluctuation
may increase chances of coronary heart disease and death, but actual weight
loss of only 10 percent may result in improved blood pressure and benefits
for Type 2 diabetes (Blackburn and Kanders, 1987; Wing et al., 1987; Aucott,
2008). Likewise, a reduction in waist circumference is associated with a reduc-
tion in cardiovascular risk factors (Han et al., 1997). Halmi, Stunkard, and
Mason (1980) also reported significant psychological and physical benefits
of weight loss in the severely obese. They compared a group of severely
obese who underwent surgery with a comparable group who received a
behavioral diet program. The results indicated that the surgery group
showed higher rates of both weight loss and weight maintenance, and the
diet group reported significantly higher changes in psychological charac-
teristics such as preoccupation with food and depression than the surgery
group. Thus, permanent weight loss through surgery brought both physical
and psychological benefits. Weight loss in the obese can be beneficial if treat-
ment is successful and the results permanent. An argument for treating
obesity can be made if a positive outcome can be guaranteed, as failed treat-
ment may be more detrimental than no treatment attempts at all.
The Treatment Alternatives
Dieting offers only small chance of weight loss accompanied by the risk
both of negative physical and psychological consequences. The successful
treatment of obesity brings with it both psychological and physical