Responding to the embodiment of distress in individuals defined as obese: Implications for research

Abstract

This article examines the evidence for a relationship between body image distress (BID) and obesity, and between emotional eating and obesity. The need is highlighted for treatment programmes that are responsive to these complex issues and combine this with diet and physical activity. Weight loss programmes so far have had a poor success rate. They have often sought to capitalise on BID as a motivation to lose weight, but there is some evidence that such an emphasis may be self-defeating, as seriously overweight individuals may eat either to self-punish or self-comfort and may also avoid social situations that could support healthy lifestyles.

The case is made for new research that addresses the highlighted psychological aspects of obesity. There is a need for both a randomised controlled trial (RCT) that will enable a statistical inference of causality relating to new treatments and qualitative, interview-based research to elicit information regarding individual responses to treatment.

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is proposed as one new treatment option for those individuals whose obesity is linked to emotional eating. Theoretical support and empirical research evidence for DMT are explored. However, since this treatment has not so far been applied with obese individuals, a pilot study is proposed prior to a RCT.

Keywords:

• Obesity
• emotional eating
• body image
• dance movement therapy