Author Date

2021-12

Degree Name

Department

Psychology

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Publication Date

2022-02-23

First Faculty Advisor

Dr. Chad Jensen

Keywords

Quality of Life, obesity, overweight, weight loss, weight loss treatment, behavioral weight loss

Abstract

The obesity epidemic has plagued the United States for over 50 years, but there is still much education and research that needs to be done to understand weight loss, specifically the relationship between weight loss and quality of life. This paper considers this relationship from three angles: first, by considering the different types of weight loss treatment, including traditional behavioral weight loss, surgery, acceptance-based programs, and internet weight-loss interventions; second, by considering the impact of weight loss on quality of life through the lens of specific demographics, specifically female, child, and elderly populations; and finally, by considering the impact of mood on both quality of life and weight loss through the scope of self-esteem and depression. These sections are designed to help consider the relationship between quality of life and weight loss from different angles and provide insights on future research that needs to be done.