A third influencing variable, interacting with biological and environmental factors in the determination of body fat stores, is individual behaviour. Behaviour is the net result of complex psychological factors, involving the effects of habits, emotions and cognitions. Habits are learned ways of responding. Emotions represent the affective state of consciousness. Cognitive processes involve patterns of thinking. All of these are integrated by our belief systems about ourselves and the world. A common example of interactions between these factors is the vicious cycle of diet failure, guilt, depression, lowered self-worth and counterproductive habits which result from and lead to repeated failures with weight loss diet plans. Although there is no evidence to suggest that psychopathology is a major cause of obesity, these individual psychological factors have to be considered as haying both a cause and effect association. Interventions designed to deal with these are a vital part of any overall strategy.
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