The dieter’s aim to eat less and consequently to lose weight is rarely achieved and
this failure may be a product of changes which occur as a direct response to imposing
a cognitive structure upon eating behaviour. Dieting is also related to changes in
weight in terms of weight variability, the development of eating disorders and the
onset and progression of obesity.Problems with a weight concern model of eating behaviour
Although a weight concern model of eating and restraint theory have generated a
wealth of research and provide an insight into overeating behaviour, there are several
problems with this theory:
Central to the boundary model is the traditional dualistic division between mind and
body. The concept of separate biological and psychological boundaries suggests that
the physical and psychological are separate entities which interact.
Restraint theory relies on a belief in the association between food restriction and
overeating. However, although dieters, bulimics and bingeing anorexics report
episodes of overeating, restricting anorexics cannot be accounted for by restraint
theory. If attempting not to eat results in overeating how do anorexics manage to
starve themselves?
If attempting not to eat something results in eating it, how do vegetarians manage
never to eat meat?TO CONCLUDE
This chapter has explored three core approaches which have been used to understand
eating behaviour. Developmental models emphasize the importance of learning by
association and reward, cognitive models emphasize the role of beliefs and attitudes and
weight concern research highlights the impact of body dissatisfaction and dieting on
food intake.? QUESTIONS
1 How might parents influence their children’s eating behaviour?
2 What are the problems with the developmental and cognitive models of eating
behaviour?
3 Dieting causes overeating. Discuss.
4 What are the implications of restraint theory for obesity treatment?FOR DISCUSSION
Think of someone you know who has successfully changed their eating behaviour
(e.g. become a vegetarian, eaten less, cut out chocolate). What factors contributed
towards their success?164 HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY