Obesity and its Prevalence
Obesity is considered as too much body weight based on a person’s body mass index (BMI). In recent years, obesity has recorded an increasing prevalence, an aspect that has been recognized as a significant public health crisis by both the general public and health officials. In efforts to understand and address the issue, researchers have explored theories of obesity; particularly on the cause and consequences of the condition. One such theory was written by Carl Jung explaining archetypes and how to use them in understanding the human psyche. Additionally, the personality theory details the many areas that combine to assist in providing information about how one behaves. Jung postulates that personal preferences, perception, and judgment directly relate to a person propensity toward health and obesity (Young, 2012).
Jung's Theory of Personality
According to Jung’s theory of personality, the human psyche comprises the ego, the collective unconscious, and the personal unconscious. Although these systems are independent of each other, they constantly interact to produce the identity, feeling, thoughts and emotions in a person. On the other hand, archetypes are considered the as the roles people play in their daily lives that offer valuable insights on issues they are struggling with in life. For a person struggling with obesity, archetypes can be used as a portal into understanding the different parts of such an individual. Jung’s theory of personality also argues that a person’s way of thinking about obesity can influence how they view its treatment and prevention (Crellin, 2016). Additionally, the theory claims that identifying and indexing those with a perceiving trait helps in promoting dietary and exercise education, which would, in turn, promote health. However, it is of the essence to realize that expression and memories have no significant effect on obesity.
References
Crellin, Clare. (2016). Jung's Theory of Personality:A modern reappraisal: Abingdon, Oxon;
New York, NY: Routledge.
Young, L. R. (January 01, 2012). The contribution of expanding portion sizes to the US obesity
epidemic. American Journal of Public Health, 92, 2.)
