Psychological research on attempts to lose weight have led to the derivation of notions such as set-point theory, the externality hypothesis and the restrained eating hypothesis, each of which imply that not only are most of these attempts detrimental to ones health, but are also rather futile and may even result in the opposite of the desired effects occurring.

Obesity is most common amongst people living in Western society, with evidence suggesting that about 24% of men and 27% of women in the United States being regarded as thus (Williamson, 1995). It therefore comes as no surprise that an estimated 24% of men and 40% of women are dieting at any one time (Brownell & Rodin, 1994). However, even though it appears that we are aware of the issue of obesity, and many of us, as the figures imply, are trying to lose weight, obesity is still on the increase throughout the world. In order...