Learn to PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF OBESITY

Psychosocial factors influence the development of obesity, its comorbidities, and the ability to
follow clinical recommendations for therapies, including lifestyle modification. The key components
from a psychosocial perspective are to conduct a focused yet complete assessment, to consider
psychosocial status as an important clinical outcome, and to successfully use psychosocial tools to
enhance the efficacy of weight management [1–3].
Behavioral therapy provides tools to overcome barriers in making lasting dietary and activity
changes. Although not effective in isolation, behavioral therapy has been shown to be an important
component of successful weight management. There are many psychosocial factors that clinicians
must consider when administering behavioral therapy to overweight children and their families.
These factors can include underlying/comorbid psychopathologies, family psychosocial issues, and
psychosocial consequences. These factors will be discussed in this chapter, in addition to psychosocial
tools that may be employed while administering behavioral therapy to these overweight
children and families.