THE PSYCHOSOMATIC CONCEPT OF OBESITY

Abstract

Pertinent literature pertaining to both somatic and psychological factors were reviewed and evaluated. It was concluded that the ultimate cause of the great majority of cases of obesity is psychologically determined hyperphagia. The authors suggest that overeating of obesity is of 2 types. The 1st is the result of conditioned hunger whereby eating becomes associated with stimuli and situations not related to the nutritive function. The 2d type is a psychogenically determined compulsive type of hyperphagia which has the purpose of reducing anxiety, which anxiety is aroused by any emotional conflict. The personality structure, family history, precipitating events and psychodynamic conflicts that may be associated with hyperphagia and obesity are non-specific.