Psychology

Psychology

Obesity (body mass index >30), has increased significantly over the past 30 years (approximately 50% per decade), afflicting 32.2% of adults in the United States. Obesity increases risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and other diseases, resulting in annual health care costs conservatively estimated for the United States at $70 to $100 billion a year as well as reductions in life expectancy by 5 to 20 years. These facts highlight the urgent need to develop strategies to prevent and treat those afflicted (Oltmanns & Emery, 2011).

Although there have been major scientific advances in the treatment of the medical complications ...