Psic-Obesidad

año 15 número 58

2026-01-19T20:37:09-06:00

Neuropsychological profile of leptin

2026-01-19T20:37:08-06:00

Leptin is an anorexigenic hormone that has a wide range of actions in our body, both peripherally and centrally. Its levels have been studied in multiple metabolic and neuropsychological diseases, the latter including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, gambling disorder, and food addiction. So far, the relationship has been positive. All these pathologies are correlated with a high body mass index (overweight and obesity). Increased leptin levels cause resistance due to receptor dysfunction, alteration of neural pathways, or peripheral tissue. Leptin affects dopaminergic activity, as the neurons in this pathway have receptors to communicate with this hormone. When these receptors are dysfunctional and leptin levels increase, there is a reduction in dopamine release, and humans, in their eagerness to increase their levels, begin to consume highly palatable and rewarding foods excessively, which promotes food addiction. Various studies have found an association between increased leptin levels and phobic anxiety, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, poorer cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. This is explained by the impact of this hormone on the limbic system. However, further research is needed to deepen and clarify this association.

The importance of psychology in the treatment of obesity

2026-01-19T20:37:07-06:00

Obesity is a disease characterized by excess body fat, now considered the pandemic of the 21st century, affecting millions of people worldwide. Although traditional treatment is usually based on low-calorie diets, it is essential to promote lifestyle changes so that people with obesity adopt a healthy lifestyle and avoid weight regain. This article emphasizes the importance of psychology within the multidisciplinary approach to obesity and describes cognitive-behavioral treatment, as well as the relevance of incorporating a maintenance phase for the achievements made. The central objective is to highlight how psychology intervenes in obesity, providing the characteristics of psychological treatments based on the definition of the disease and analyzing the difficulties of its management. It is emphasized that the purpose of psychological treatment is not to reduce weight in isolation, but to support a lifestyle change that allows for a healthy life and reduces the risk of associated comorbidities. In addition, the limitations of these approaches and the strategies necessary to achieve sustained effectiveness throughout the individual's life are discussed.

Impact of modern lifestyles on the prevalence of obesity

2026-01-19T20:37:06-06:00

Obesity affects all social strata, with greater intensity in urban areas and among people with lower levels of education. Despite government efforts, political and economic challenges hinder the implementation of effective health policies. Urbanization has changed lifestyles, increasing access to processed foods and food insecurity. Culturally, the Mexican diet, rich in calories and fats, together with modernization, aggravates the situation. Obesity is related to a high-calorie diet and a sedentary lifestyle, exacerbated by stress and lack of sleep. Factors such as economics, food culture, urban policies, and the built environment influence associated behaviors. In addition, ecosystem services such as access to healthy foods and spaces for physical activity are essential for its prevention. This article proposes a theoretical framework for understanding obesity in Mexico City from a comprehensive perspective, encompassing social, political, economic, and cultural factors. The proposed approach is comprehensive, promoting healthy lifestyles, improving access to nutritious food, and encouraging physical activity, considering the interrelationships between social, economic, cultural, and ecological factors.

Body image, overweight, obesity, and their relationship with poor academic performance

2026-01-19T20:37:04-06:00

Body image is the image that the mind forms of one's own body and is not necessarily correlated with actual physical appearance. It is constructed by each individual based on their perception of their body and their attitudes, feelings, and behaviors. It is known that there is a relationship between body image and academic performance; low self-esteem and alterations in body image lead to poor and insufficient academic performance. A review of the relevant literature was conducted for the points of interest. Through the compilation of primary and secondary sources, a database was created with information that defined the direct relationship with the topic of the study. There is a relationship between a student's body image and their situation in the classroom, which is a determining factor in their education. Various authors consider body image to be a part of the self that is most directly related to academic performance and that apparently serves as a personal guidance system to direct behavior in school and plays a fundamental role in determining student academic performance. Body image as perceived by university students has a directly proportional influence on their academic performance. The various variables that influence the environment are not exempt. Rather, early recognition of influencers is proposed in order to prevent alterations in school performance.

Behavioral factors and their consequences on weight status during the COVID-19 pandemic

2026-01-19T20:37:02-06:00

The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in December 2019, was declared a health emergency by the WHO in 2020 and has spread worldwide, with 767,562,324 cases and 6,947,976 deaths recorded as of July 1, 2023, with the highest mortality rate occurring in 2020 (Rodríguez et al., 2021). In Mexico, as of that same date, 7,636,750 cases had been reported (Ministry of Health, 2023). To mitigate the spread, various countries imposed quarantines and lockdowns, which included the closure of activities and the promotion of working from home, with the consequent closure of schools, businesses, and non-essential services. This review aims to identify the factors that modified lifestyle and, therefore, influenced overweight and obesity during the COVID-19 lockdown. The factors considered include sociodemographic variables, sedentary behavior, physical inactivity, changes in eating habits, food insecurity, alcohol consumption, sleep habits, and psychological aspects, all of which may have contributed to weight gain in the population during the pandemic.