OBESITY: LACK OF WILLPOWER OR GENETICS
Capella University PSYC3310: Brain,
Body, Behavior
INTRODUCTION
All around the world, humans are facing the social standard of being slim or physical fit.
If it does not fit this standard it is considered overweight, unhealthy, and obese. However, obesity
is a very complex subject. While many do share the same beliefs that it is caused by oneself on
the contrary to popular belief that is untrue. There are several factors that play a part in obesity
that may vary person to person. A few factors can be genetics, environmental factors, and
psychological influences that can play a major part in one's inability to lose weight.
FLAWED SOURCE
With social media being a huge part in people's lives there is no shortage of
“keyboard warriors” telling people that their dietary lifestyles need to be changed. As more
, articles surrounding obesity spread misinformation more people become confident in the position
that it is caused by laziness, or overindulging. As “Mukbangs” (recording oneself eating in front
of a camera for youtube/Tik Tok) becomes more popular, many are seeing an increase in the
person's weight, and attributing it to overeating and lack of exercise.
In a recent article by (Taylor Orth, 2023) 39% of people believe that obesity is due to lack
of self-control rather than chronic illness. While doing his study it was reported that 59% of
Americans believed it was poor lifestyle choices i.e., eating large amounts of foods high in fats
and sugar, eating out of boredom, comfort eating, eating out, drinking alcohol and sugary drinks
with the lack of physical activity. Many believe people are avoiding physical activity instead of
walking, driving, watching tv or playing video games. All while still consuming the same
amount of calories.
Capella University PSYC3310: Brain,
Body, Behavior
INTRODUCTION
All around the world, humans are facing the social standard of being slim or physical fit.
If it does not fit this standard it is considered overweight, unhealthy, and obese. However, obesity
is a very complex subject. While many do share the same beliefs that it is caused by oneself on
the contrary to popular belief that is untrue. There are several factors that play a part in obesity
that may vary person to person. A few factors can be genetics, environmental factors, and
psychological influences that can play a major part in one's inability to lose weight.
FLAWED SOURCE
With social media being a huge part in people's lives there is no shortage of
“keyboard warriors” telling people that their dietary lifestyles need to be changed. As more
, articles surrounding obesity spread misinformation more people become confident in the position
that it is caused by laziness, or overindulging. As “Mukbangs” (recording oneself eating in front
of a camera for youtube/Tik Tok) becomes more popular, many are seeing an increase in the
person's weight, and attributing it to overeating and lack of exercise.
In a recent article by (Taylor Orth, 2023) 39% of people believe that obesity is due to lack
of self-control rather than chronic illness. While doing his study it was reported that 59% of
Americans believed it was poor lifestyle choices i.e., eating large amounts of foods high in fats
and sugar, eating out of boredom, comfort eating, eating out, drinking alcohol and sugary drinks
with the lack of physical activity. Many believe people are avoiding physical activity instead of
walking, driving, watching tv or playing video games. All while still consuming the same
amount of calories.
