Explanations for the success and failure of dieting
Psychologists use several theories to explain why diets sometimes work and often fail. These theories focus on how the body and mind respond to deliberate food restriction.
Real World
Weight Watchers' long-term tracking data shows that most clients regain lost weight within five years, consistent with the boundary model's prediction that dieting raises the body's defended set point over time.
Exam Focus
Address both success and failure in the same answer — one-sided responses rarely access the top mark band for 'discuss' or 'evaluate' questions.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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