The argument that supports the statement that weight is a biopsychosocial phenomenon is the psychogenic causes of excess weight, eliminating which, one can lose weight without dieting. Compulsive overeating is an uncontrolled eating behavior that is expressed in the absorption of large amounts of food. The nature of such overeating is psychogenic and is not associated with a real feeling of hunger. The physiological regulator of food consumption is the biological phenomenon of hunger. Hunger is primarily an instinctive feeling of the need to eat. Signs of hunger are emptiness in the stomach, lack of energy, weakness, dizziness. Hunger activates eating behavior aimed at finding food. Appetite is a psychological regulator of eating behavior. Appetite manifests itself as a reaction to mental discomfort, boredom and anxiety (Driver et al., 2021). While hunger cannot turn into overeating, then appetite easily gets out of control and turns into it. Appetite is the use of food for pleasure.
Although nutrition is certainly a physiological need, the psychological component plays a huge role in human eating behavior. Currently, there is a biopsychosocial model that comprehensively considers the causes of the accumulation of excess weight and the possibility of getting rid of it. Biological causes include a sedentary lifestyle, a hereditary predisposition and a state of energy metabolism. At the same time, the biological component of overweight largely depends on the psychological component. Psychological reasons are emotional dependence on food. Food is used to correct mood, like alcohol or nicotine. Cakes and chocolates raise the mood and do not cause censure from society. For example, evidence of weight as a biopsychosocial phenomenon is a hyperphagic stress response when food is used during or after stress.
Reference
Driver, S., Douglas, M., Reynolds, M. McShan, E., Swank, C., & Dubiel, R. (2021). A narrative review of biopsychosocial factors which impact overweight and obesity for individuals with acquired brain injury. Brain Injury, 35(9), 1075–1085.