PSYCHOBIOLOGY OF OBESITY

Knowledge and appreciation of the psychobiological mechanisms that influence body weight are critical to the understanding of obesity and the development of effective weight management interventions. However, these mechanisms are often not discussed in an integrative manner to examine how these factors interact to influence body weight and weight-related behaviors. A greater understanding of the biological determinants of weight-related behaviors and the etiology of obesity is therefore needed to improve quality of care for obese individuals and to develop effective strategies for prevention. The purpose of this symposium is to identify and discuss psychobiological influences on weight regulation including genetic influences, neural control of appetite, and the neurobiological basis of reward and behavior. These factors will be considered with respect to weight management interventions to provide an overview of best treatment practices and implications for behavior change strategies. This topic has relevance for all individuals who study or treat obesity, and this symposium will provide researchers and practitioners with valuable information regarding the biological basis for behaviors that influence body weight and the implications for weight management.