Obesity is a growing problem in modern society. In 2018/19, the majority of UK adults were classified as overweight or obese (67% of men and 60% of women) Obesity is linked to numerous health issues, such as type 2 diabetes and heart failure. In England in one year there were about 900,000 hospital admissions for these issues, about 5% of total hospital admissions (NHS data for April 2018–March 2019). Therefore, there is a demand in psychological research for understanding what factors could make an individual more likely to become obese, and what factors could make it more difficult for obese individuals to lose weight.
It is important to explore what makes a weight-loss intervention successful or unsuccessful. Restraint theory suggests that diets which restrict food intake are only occasionally successful as a long-term weight-loss strategy. Restriction also often has consequences such as low-mood, poor nutrition, and can even lead to an increase in overeating.
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