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Literature on psychological factors underlying obesity is reviewed. Conrad raises the possibility that obesity may have a phallic significance in line with the body=phallus equation. Obesity for the woman may have the significance of an illusory penis. At the same time the obese woman may be denying feminine passivity and masochism. Obesity in the man may be related to a 'small penis' complex and give him the illusion of having a large, powerful penis.