149: What are the psychological factors that influence obesity?

The Health Survey for England 2019 estimates that 28% of adults in England are obese, with a further 36% categorised as overweight. For children, 9.9% of 4-5 year olds are obese, growing to 21% by the time they reach 10-11. It's clear that obesity is a major problem in the country, but what are the psychological factors that influence obesity? Can an understanding of psychology help when trying to change the way we interact with food? Joining us to discuss this is Dr Lisa Newson, BSc (Hons), MSc, D Health Psyc. CPsychol. Reader in Applied Health Psychology, Health Psychologist, Liverpool John Moores University. Dr. Newson provides a comprehensive background on the psychological factors that come into play, how they affect the way we make food choices, and what can be done to turn the tide for the future. About Dr. Lisa Newson Dr. Lisa Newson, BSc (Hons), MSc, D Health Psyc. CPsychol. Reader in Applied Health Psychology, Health Psychologist, Liverpool John Moores University. Dr Newson is a Reader in Applied Health Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University, who has varied experience as a Health Psychologist. She is a proud innovator of Health Psychology and has experience across the full spectrum of application within academia and healthcare practice. Dr Newson's expertise influences health prevention- overlapping with public health, and is applied directly to the management of long-term conditions. She has lead the British Psychological Society’s Obesity task group, who produced the Psychological Perspectives on Obesity policy document (2019), and has most recently contributed to the Parliamentary Committees post note on childhood obesity (March, 2021).