Social Cognitive Theory Of Obesity Essay

Obesity is defined as a medical condition whereby there is excessive fat accumulation in the body and may present a risk to health (Wright & Harwood, 2012). Consequently, this condition may reduce life expectancy or increase health problems. An epidemic is an extensive occurrence of a communicable disease in a society at a given period of time. Obesity condition has reached epidemic proportions all over the world whereby both the adults and children are found obese. Most of the older adults are more likely to be obese as compared to younger adults. On the other hand, the percentage of obese children is increasing.
There are various factors that lead to obesity. Under the genetic factors, the obese condition is passed down from one generation to another. In metabolism factors, the metabolism and hormones are different from one individual to another. This factor contribute in how much weight an individual gains. Other factors include; lifestyle choices, medicines, emotions, and social-economic factors.
Question 2: Explain the increase in obesity rates from the viewpoints of two different theories of health related behavior.
Among the theories are Social Cognitive theory (SCT) and Health Belief Theory. Social Cognitive Theory is a theory that explains how individuals get and maintains some patterns of behaviors (Bandura, 2011). Based on this theory, increase in obesity rate may be due to various factors. People tend to apply emotional coping responses tactics to dealing with emotional stimuli. This tactics may involve behaviors that lead to high risks of obesity condition. Moreover, Social Cognitive Theory shows that obesity may be increased as a result of lack of self-control. Most obese people, show lack of self-control as related to poor diet and lack of exercise behaviors. Consequently, this leads to increased Body Mass Index as well as high risks of