A theory that appeals to me although I am not an obesity researcher is the torpor/omega-ratio theory of obesity. It states that obesity results from an activation of hibernation metabolism (torpor) by an elevated ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 PUFAs in the diet. Humans do not hibernate but our mammalian ancestors did, and the theory is that those metabolic pathways are latent in our biochemistry.
The activation of hibernation metabolism and fat mass gain by high omega-6 to omega-3 ratios is documented in the literature for hibernating mammals, and the ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 PUFAs in Western diets have skyrocketed in the past several decades due to vegetable oils. I think I first heard of this theory from this blog. It could certainly be coupled with the Hyperpalatable Food Theory.
To connect the concepts here with some existing work: the special case of “frame control” where the result is self-doubt is also called “gaslighting.”