Health Unit

Question 1

Nguyen et al. (2016)

Answer 1

Aim: to investigate the effectiveness of BPS (biopsychosocial / eclectic / combined) model in weight loss.

Method: Examine past patients data at an outpatient clinic. 142 patients, avg. age of 40; weight of 210lbs.

• They were given a drug to suppress appetite (biological. Ghrelin-blockers) But also applied CBT to change their thinking patterns about food. (psychological)

Result: Avg 10% WL in 86 days.

Question 2

Biological Factors in Obesity

Answer 2

1. Haworth et al (2008) - Twin studies. BMI is 70% genetically influenced. (BMI = Weight / Height)
2. Del Parigi et al (2005) - “Obesity and Patterns of Brain Activation”. Activates dopamine pathway in midbrain.
   - Quasi-experiment where participants were told to go on a 36-hr fast, and given a small amount of liquid.
   - 21 participants were obese, with a BMI greater than 35. vs. 20 participants were lean, with a BMI of less than 25.

> Brain-scanning device studies + Neurotransmitters.

• High levels of insulin (often obtained from sugary foods) block leptin (satiety) receptors.
• Too much ghrelin can increases sense of hunger.

Question 3

Evaluate one or more studies related to explanations of one or more health problems.

Answer 3

Focus of the evaluation be upon the studies / study of the health issue,

Jokela et al. (2013) “Fitness is not a JOKE” > Conscientiousness (refers to the tendency to be responsible, organized, etc..) lowers the risk of obesity.

Advantages: This study is a meta-analysis, therefore it provides data triangulation. Increases trustworthiness of the study.
- 79,000 adults is a good sample sixe.

Limitations: Conscientiousness is a construct of the Big 5 / OCEAN. Is this construct valid? Can it be quantified? Is this generalizable to children? Can the study stigmatize those with obesity (insinuating that they are lazy or undisciplined).

Question 4

Psychological / Cognitive Factors in Obesity

Answer 4

1. Health Belief Model (perceived risk of illness vs. effort)
2. Theory of Planned Behavior (attitude, norms, perceived control / subjective norms)
3. Lewis et al. 2010 (Australian study; underestimating the risk)
   - Mildly obese individuals felt little need to change their health behaviors or to lose weight. Tended to stigmatize those who were “fatter” than themselves, and distanced their image from the idea of obesity. (ex. Rationalization as defense mechanism)
   - Severely obese individuals felt an urge to change, but felt helpless. (learned helplessness) and displayed pessimistic ideas of themselves.
4. Jokela et al. 2013 “Fitness is not a JOKE”. (Conscientiousness lowers the risk).
5. Sutin et al. 2011 (Overweight and obese participants had higher scores in extraversion and impulsivity, which increases health risks.)
6. Learned helplessness.

Question 5

Health Theories / Models

Answer 5

Health Belief Model - perceived threat of illness AND perceived effectiveness of health behavior.

• Theory of Planned Behavior - Attitude, social norms, perceived control
• Medical Model
• Biopsychosocial Model